"So, instead of drawing unnecessary attention, how about letting me work undercover and help you find out what's really going on with Bluewind Mountain?"
Xue Jin Qiao stopped in her tracks, pressing her hand to her chin in thought for a few moments before nodding. "You have a point. I was planning to mobilize people the moment I returned home, get my father and our sect involved to investigate Bluewind Mountain. But clearly, it's not that simple. We'll need to tread carefully and avoid being hasty."
"That means you shouldn't be seen bringing me into the Xue estate; it'd raise too many questions about my background," I suggested, watching her expression.
Xue Jin Qiao smirked, clearly amused. "It would be rather suspicious for a noble Xue family lady to bring home a village boy. Some people might start to gossip."
I laughed along, adding, "Miss Xue, you're as noble and pure as jade; I'm just a humble fish in the river. But the dark hides dangers unknown, and the last thing I'd want is to tarnish your reputation or interfere with the investigation of Bluewind Mountain. Besides, if I could learn a bit of martial arts, I could be of even more help—like a tiger given wings."
She rolled her eyes. "Alright, alright, I've heard more than enough of your smooth talk." After walking quietly for a while, she seemed to have made a decision. "Thinking it over, there aren't many martial schools in Yuecheng that would suit you. However, two places come to mind—ones that don't discriminate based on age or background. One is the Martial Boxing Hall, and the other is the Dragon Head Gang."
"Could you tell me more about them, Miss Xue?"
"Martial Boxing Hall is Yuecheng's largest boxing academy. The hall master, Cheng Gang, is a true master of the art, renowned throughout dynasty. He's fierce, upright, and passionate about teaching. Not only does he focus on technique, but he also values virtue and discipline."
"Martial Boxing Hall has branches across Shun'an and thousands of disciples, though few are chosen to learn its inner teachings. Those who do go on to open their own halls, but in over thirty years, fewer than a dozen have reached the level of master."
"Martial Boxing, the core of their techniques, is an exclusive style, merging inner strength and resilience—the finest fist technique under heaven. But if you join Martial Hall, don't expect to gain true mastery quickly."
"Dragon Head Gang," she continued, "is the top gang in the southeast, standing toe-to-toe with the Heavenly Arrow Gang of the northern rivers. They're involved in much of Ember Dynasty's trade and transportation and also operate Golden Gate Escorts."
"If you join, you'll need either a special skill or some flexibility to make a name for yourself. The gang has a history dating back to the old dynasty, and its library is second only to the great collections of Sublime Temple and Eternal White Peak."
Hearing her descriptions, I was getting eager to dive into those hidden martial arts scrolls. Xue Jin Qiao shook her head slightly. "It's a shame, really. You're already near adulthood, and without any foundation, your potential is limited unless you find a miraculous opportunity or possess an exceptional natural talent."
"It'd be a different story if you were five or six years younger. Then I could recommend you to places like Sword Hiding Palace or Seven Stars Sect. My own sect, Kunlun, is particularly selective; it wouldn't be suitable for most."
I waved off her concern with a grin. "No need to pity me, Miss Xue. In fact, I'm grateful just to have a chance to pursue my dream, even this late in life."
She sighed but smiled as she listened to my enthusiastic response. "Such grand words, but surprisingly sincere. If you keep this resolve, even if you don't attain the highest levels of martial arts, you'll at least fulfill your dreams."
We agreed to separate before entering Yuecheng. I would keep a low profile, moving independently, while she returned to her family.
She suggested I stay at Shunfeng Inn—a property owned by her family—and told me to explore Yuecheng for the next two days. After that, she'd send someone to escort me to either Martial Boxing Hall or the Dragon Head Gang.
With a final nod, we parted ways, and I passed through the city gates without issue, eventually finding Shunfeng Inn on the west side of the outer city.
"Room, please. I'll be staying two nights." I took in the grandeur of the inn's decor, far more refined than the inns back in Tongcheng.
The innkeeper smiled. "Would you prefer an upper room, a standard room, or the shared quarters?"
"The cheapest standard room, please." Although I had to be mindful of my spending until I secured a new source of income, I couldn't quite bear the thought of bunking with strangers.
The cost for a standard room was steep—eighty copper coins per night, more than a week's worth of meals back in Tongcheng. Yuecheng, indeed, is a city of wealth and high living.
Over the next two days, I roamed Yuecheng, marveling at its architecture and vibrant life. The streets teemed with people, carriages, and vendors, giving off an energy usually reserved for modern cities.
Though many roads were unpaved, the impressive drainage system kept the streets surprisingly clean, thanks to the nearby Yue River.
On the third day, a knock sounded on my door, and a young inn worker informed me that someone was waiting for me. Outside stood a middle-aged man with graying hair, clad in a simple blue robe. With a calm smile, he greeted me.
"You must be young Han. I am Liu, sent by Miss Xue. Have you eaten yet? Let's talk over some food."
He led me to a nearby restaurant called Tianya Pavilion and waved away the waitstaff once we were seated in a private room upstairs.
Introducing himself formally, he said, "I am Liu Qingshan. Just call me Mr. Liu. I serve Miss Xue directly. Today, I'm here to help guide you into either Martial Boxing Hall or the Dragon Head Gang. Have you made a decision?"
"I have some thoughts but would appreciate your insight, Mr. Liu," I replied respectfully.
He nodded and began outlining the choices again, emphasizing that joining Martial Boxing Hall required unwavering focus, perseverance, and an unyielding spirit. "Only those with strong resolve can grasp Martial Boxing's true essence."
"As for the Dragon Head Gang, it's a melting pot of talents and has a widespread influence. If you want to make a name for yourself there, you'll need a mix of cleverness, unique skills, or outstanding martial prowess."
"The Gang places great importance on promoting its own. Many of the managers, elders, and even the Gang Leader are chosen from within, so there's a clear path for members willing to contribute and rise. Their famed library, the Treasury Hall, is curated by a department that focuses solely on collecting and preserving martial arts and knowledge. If you prove yourself, you could even gain access to these valuable texts—or perhaps be invited to teach martial arts there yourself."
Liu took a sip of tea, allowing his words to settle in my mind, just as the food arrived. We dug in, not standing on ceremony.
"So, what do you think, young friend?" he asked, watching me intently.
I tought my options, 'The Dragon Head Gang can definitely support my mission—it has the resources, manpower, and influence, particularly beyond the martial arts circles. Yet, if my goal is pure martial excellence, Martial Boxing with its structured teachings is clearly the better choice.'
I hesitated, then asked, "If I joined Martial Boxing, I'd start as a regular student, right? But if I joined Dragon Head Gang, what role would I take on, and what responsibilities would come with it?"
Liu Qingshan chuckled, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Dragon Head Gang divides its duties among thirty-six divisions, each named after a constellation, managing everything from personnel to finances. Miss Xue arranged for you to start in one of the more clerical roles—say, the Celestial Hall handling personnel, the Earth Hall with finances, or the Merchant Hall overseeing trade. There's also the Craft Hall if you're inclined towards hands-on work."
'Well, it seemed Xue Jin Qiao has really thought everything through for me. I only mentioned my supposed skills in passing, and she actually took it to heart.'
"Alright, let's do it," I said, clasping my hands in gratitude. "I'd be honored if Mr. Liu could introduce me to the Dragon Head Gang's Earth Hall."
"Not a problem," Liu replied cheerfully. "After we finish here, I'll take you over and get things started. I hope you don't mind me asking, but it's unusual for the young miss to go to such lengths for someone new. How did you meet her?"
Liu's curiosity was natural, and frankly, it was a good thing I'd already rehearsed my answer with Xue Jin Qiao herself.
"I used to work at a small inn in Tongcheng," I began, "just a hired hand, really. A few days ago, I happened to serve her caravan, and she struck up a conversation."
"When she asked about my future plans, I told her I'd studied a little but never got the chance to take the imperial exams, as my family fled to Shun'an after a disaster. I ended up taking on whatever jobs I could find just to scrape by."
"Seeing my potential, Miss Xue pitied my plight. I traveled with the caravan to Yuecheng, and during the trip, I warned her of the Bluewind Mountain bandits. Later, when we were ambushed, Miss Xue saved my life."
"She remembered our conversations and, out of kindness, offered to help me find a better future here in Yuecheng. She has been extraordinarily generous, and I could never repay her. If I do join the Dragon Head Gang, I'll gladly go through fire and water to return her kindness."
Liu looked at me with genuine approval. "Young friend, your story is truly touching, and this chance you've been given is indeed rare. I trust the young miss's judgment won't be misplaced. After lunch, we'll head to the Earth Hall, and I'll help you settle in there."