Chapter 307: Lin Jiahe, Master Lin

《Star-Plucking Hand》!

Wangchuan treasured it as if it were a priceless gem.

His 《Heart-Piercing Dart》 was a Second-Rank technique, and 《Five-Finger Rapid Shot》 was also Second Rank…

At present, there was a clear gap in his Third-Rank long-range techniques. Everything relied on the Integration-level 《Five-Finger Rapid Shot》 to hold the line.

This Third-Rank hidden-weapon technique had arrived at the perfect moment. Not only did it make up for the weakness in his Third-Rank ranged combat, it could also stack additional attributes.

As for the Lesser Rejuvenation Pill…

No need to be polite.

After seeing Cui Mingjue off, he swallowed it without hesitation and returned to his closed-door cultivation.

Another day and night passed. The progress bar of the 《Black Tortoise Art》 climbed to 1500/5000.

Just as he came out of seclusion, Wang Yuehui brought him a piece of news.

Outside in the real world, the news that seven island nations had nearly been wiped out during the Blood Moon period had begun spreading wildly online.

Citizens across the globe were discussing the Blood Moon Incident and the strange wave of mass deaths.

Media outlets and independent commentators from various countries gradually revealed the death incidents that had occurred within their own borders.

More and more people began to realize that this event might have originated from an extraterrestrial civilization.

“… ”

Chen Hong leaned over mysteriously and cut into the conversation.

“This Blood Moon Incident killed far too many people, and the news is erupting across multiple countries. The authorities can no longer suppress it. I think spirit realm is about to be promoted worldwide.”

“The only question is what excuse the authorities will use…”

“But I heard that merchants outside have already raised the purchase price of spirit realm Copper Pieces. It used to be ten yuan each, but now it has gone up to twenty—double the price. For large transactions, the price might even rise higher. Selling them for thirty yuan would not be a problem.”

After saying this, Chen Hong turned to Wangchuan.

“Helm Leader, once spirit realm is fully opened, there will definitely be a huge influx of Vagrants. You are about to break through to the Third Rank, right? Have you considered exchanging some money while the opportunity lasts and buying an entire building to start your own studio? We could follow you then.”

“Why would I start my own studio?”

Wangchuan looked reluctant.

Chen Hong replied seriously,

“Even someone as detached as Captain Bai was forcibly recruited away. Do you think once you become a Third-Rank Martial Artist you will still be able to stay in the Warring States Building?”

Wangchuan fell silent.

That actually sounded reasonable.

But he truly had not prepared for such a step.

Wang Yuehui nodded in agreement with Chen Hong.

“Helm Leader, people outside are indeed saying the same thing. Once someone reaches the Third Rank, they can establish their own studio. Many people are already preparing. My studio has two Second-Rank Martial Artists, and they have already started asking about licenses. It seems they plan to create their own studio and organize a Gold-Farming Team.”

“… ”

“If you start a studio, Helm Leader, I will definitely bring my younger sister and join you.”

Wang Yuehui spoke very seriously.

Chen Hong nodded vigorously.

“The Warring States Game Studio is fine, but following you feels like it has a brighter future.”

She had already figured it out. On Wangchuan’s side, there was money, safety, and martial arts manuals. Compared with studios and families, it was far superior. Naturally, she was eager to switch sides and become one of the founding members.

“Stop talking nonsense.”

“I am still far from the Third Rank.”

Wangchuan turned his head awkwardly.

Su Wan had previously told him that establishing a studio involved endless complications. Although Wang Yuehui and Chen Ergou could help manage the affairs of the branch helm, someone also had to keep watch at the building around the clock.

It would be troublesome.

He was not ready yet.

Better to take things slowly.

At noon, he logged off and went to the Bajiquan Martial Arts Gym.

Chen Gang was resting in bed while recovering from his injuries.

The one receiving him was a middle-aged man of medium height. His eyebrows were sharp like swords, his eyes piercing, and his steps steady. He gave off the impression of explosive strength throughout his body.

“You must be Wangchuan. Chen Gang told me about you. Thanks to you this time, the gym was saved.”

“My name is Li Xiangyang.”

“A pleasure.”

Wangchuan cupped his fists in greeting, instinctively using the etiquette of the Jianghu.

Li Xiangyang was briefly stunned before returning the gesture.

“Haha, as expected of a disciple of ancient martial arts. Very proper.”

“Come.”

“I will take you to see Chen Gang.”

They walked to the end of the corridor. Inside the room, besides Chen Gang who was drinking medicine, there was also a man and a woman.

The man looked close to forty. His demeanor was calm and steady, and his presence seemed even stronger than Chen Gang’s and Li Xiangyang’s.

The woman appeared to be in her twenties. She was pouring water for Chen Gang, and her features somewhat resembled his.

As soon as Wangchuan entered, Chen Gang tried to sit up.

Wangchuan hurried forward to stop him.

“Master Chen, please do not get up. You are injured.”

“It is fine. Let me introduce everyone.”

“This is Brother Su, a genius of ancient martial arts!”

“Brother Su, this is my senior brother, Lin Jiahe—Master Lin.”

“Li Xiangyang is also my senior brother. You have already met him.”

“And this is my younger sister, Chen Dan.”

Su Wangchuan greeted each of them with a respectful fist salute.

“Brother Su, please sit.”

Everyone already had a good impression of him. Chen Dan peeled an apple and handed it over with a smile.

“I did not expect Brother Su to be so young.”

“Thank you, Sister Dan.”

Su Wangchuan accepted the apple.

“Master Chen, I have been busy these past two days and could not come. How is your recovery?”

“Quite good.”

Chen Gang did not want to waste Su Wangchuan’s time and went straight to the point.

“Senior Brothers, my friend here is truly a martial arts prodigy. Any technique—give him a day or two and he can quickly learn it to at least Minor Mastery. Would you like to try entering that world?”

“Alright.”

Lin Jiahe and Li Xiangyang had already heard about Su Wangchuan from Chen Gang and knew the purpose of his visit. They exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

The group moved to the octagonal cage arena.

Li Xiangyang smiled at Su Wangchuan.

“The three of us brothers follow different styles. I am shorter, so I specialize in short blades, dual blades, nunchaku, and three-section staves… I wonder whether Brother Su has practiced any of those.”

“I have practiced saber techniques before, but I am not proficient.”

Wangchuan picked up a steel saber and casually swung it twice. The moment he stood ready with the blade, Li Xiangyang’s smile faded and his expression turned serious.

Lin Jiahe frowned slightly and spoke in a low voice to Chen Gang.

“Brother Su is not simple. The moment he grips a weapon, killing intent leaks out naturally. He has seen blood before—killed people before. And probably quite a few.”

“… ”

Chen Gang and Chen Dan both showed shock.

“How is that possible?”

“He is still so young.”

Chen Gang shook his head helplessly.

“Besides, where would he find so many people to kill?”

“Exactly.”

Chen Dan looked at Su Wangchuan as if he were just a college student.

“Someone like him? Killing people? He looks like an innocent young man.”

“… ”

Lin Jiahe immediately fell silent.

Even he felt his earlier judgment had been too harsh.

Su Wangchuan’s age was right there.

And in modern society, how could such things possibly happen…

However, Su Wangchuan inside the octagonal cage heard every word of their conversation clearly.

Curiosity rose within him.

This Lin Jiahe…

His senses were extremely sharp.

His abilities were obviously above both Chen Gang and Li Xiangyang.

If someone like this could be recruited under him, he might become a talent comparable to Zhao Heiniu.

Li Xiangyang sparred with Su Wangchuan for a while. After only a few dozen exchanges, Li Xiangyang had no choice but to lower his blade.

Su Wangchuan’s saber strikes were heavy, fast, and his footwork agile. In every aspect he completely overwhelmed him.

What was the point of continuing the spar?

“Brother Su is indeed formidable!”

“Senior Brother Lin, why do you not try?”

Li Xiangyang looked completely deflated. He had already confirmed that Su Wangchuan was far beyond his ability to contend with.

Lin Jiahe caught the long staff Chen Gang tossed over, slowly stepped into the octagonal cage arena, his stride steady and his gaze deep, carrying the bearing of a true martial arts master.