Chapter 424
Chapter 424
Xia Pingnan didn’t usually keep close tabs on Lu Sheng, but whenever he did, the news always left him astonished.
The last time he checked, Lu Sheng had single-handedly taken down the infamous nationwide gang led by Ma Guoyun*.
[*Level 6 Martial Artist. Chapter 218]
Before that, Lu Sheng had dominated the Seven Sage Martial Universities, breaking records at all seven of their Martial Sage Towers in one sweep. Most recently, Lu Sheng had triumphed in the National University Martial Arts Conference, surpassing the Twin Star duo and the Sage Seed to seize the championship, earning the title of King among young martial artists!
Each piece of news was more shocking than the last. Xia Pingnan even thought he wouldn’t be surprised if the next time he heard about Lu Sheng, it was news of his promotion to Martial Master.
In fact, he might even find himself saying, “Oh, it’s about time he became a Martial Master.”
The idea seemed absurd when he thought about it.
When Lu Sheng first made his national debut, Xia Pingnan personally congratulated him and even gifted him a rather valuable Quasi-Level 7 grade spear.
Although the gesture was sincere, it was also part of Xia Pingnan’s habitual investment strategy—building good relations with highly potential martial arts geniuses early on. With minimal investment, such relationships often yielded tenfold or even hundredfold returns once these geniuses matured.
It’s the recognition of talent, akin to the relationship between a Bole and a thousand-li horse*.
[*Bole and Thousand-li horse (伯乐与千里马): This idiom originates from Chinese history and refers to the relationship between a talent scout and a highly talented individual. “Bole” was a legendary horse-tamer who could recognize the potential of exceptional horses, known as “thousand-li horses” (a horse that can run a thousand li in a day, symbolizing great talent).]
Many high-ranking martial artists followed the same approach. Networks and connections were often built this way. Water a seed here and there, and ten years later, you might harvest a tree full of fruit.
Xia Pingnan had made similar investments in the past, but Lu Sheng was by far the most surprising return on his investment.
Every so often, Lu Sheng’s value skyrocketed, his growth was exponential … It was this rapid growth that brought Xia Pingnan to the Lu family today.
Emotional connections should not be severed. Xia Pingnan wasn’t the only one with this mindset. Standing behind him was a fifty-year-old man with a glowing complexion, full of energy. This man was Xiao Yuhe, the President of the Baihe City Martial Arts Association. Xiao Yuhe had already begun to reap the benefits of his early investment in Lu Sheng.
Recently, the headquarters of the Jingdu Martial Arts Association had considered appointing Xiao Yuhe as the Deputy Chairman of the Dongning Provincial Martial Arts Association.
The leap from city to province was a significant breakthrough in Xiao Yuhe’s career. If he could become a Master in the future, he might even reach the heights of Xia Pingnan, perhaps even becoming a provincial governor!
“Grandpa Xia, please have some tea. Grandpa Xiao, have some tea. Mayor Bai, please have some tea.” Lu Qinghe, holding a tray of freshly brewed tea, served each guest in the living room one by one. Her graceful and sensible demeanor made her especially endearing at first glance.
Xia Pingnan watched as Lu Qinghe calmly and methodically served tea to the seven or eight guests in the living room. His eyes lit up slightly. He gently tapped Lu Qinghe’s arm and quickly withdrew his hand.
Then, looking at her parents, Lu Hai and Zheng Yufen, he remarked with some emotion, “You two are truly fortunate. In a few years, the Lu family might have another city or provincial-level Martial Arts Champion.”
This little daughter of the Lu family was only a few years old, yet her vitality had already surpassed Level 2 and was advancing toward Level 3. Moreover, her foundation was solid and firm, showing no signs of instability, which was even more remarkable. How long had it been since he last saw this little girl? Her progress was indeed rapid.
Lu Hai and Zheng Yufen smiled and said, “It’s all thanks to her brother. He keeps sending back all sorts of supplements and often supervises her training when he’s home. But she’s quite playful; she spends most of her time on her phone …”
Xia Pingnan nodded, “With Lu Sheng leading the way in martial arts, you have it a bit easier …”
How could ordinary citizens like Lu Hai and Zheng Yufen compare to a martial arts genius like Lu Sheng, whose future was limitless? The resources he casually acquired were more than ordinary people could accumulate in a lifetime, or even several lifetimes.
In such circumstances, nurturing another martial artist became far easier, especially since Lu Qinghe already had a decent talent for martial arts. It was no exaggeration to say that the status of the Lu family would undoubtedly rise several levels because of Lu Sheng. It wasn’t impossible for them to become a martial arts family, a prominent household in the future.
“Did Lu Sheng mention when he’d be home?” Xia Pingnan took a sip of tea and casually asked Lu Hai and his wife.
Lu Hai replied, “Xiao Sheng is on his way back from the military region. If we calculate the time, he should be here soon …”
“The military region?” Xia Pingnan was taken aback and asked in surprise, “Lu Sheng has joined the military?”
“Yes, he said it was boring at school, so he enlisted. He even suggested that we move to the Eastern Military Region recently … Ah, don’t you think he’s being reckless? He had only been in university for less than half a year before running off to the army …”
Lu Hai seemed a bit worried.
But Xia Pingnan was intrigued. He hadn’t expected Lu Sheng to have already joined the military.
Then again, considering that Lu Sheng had already dominated the youth martial arts world, even the stage at the Sage Martial University might be too small for him. To pursue higher breakthroughs, the battlefield of the military region was the only place to go.
“The fact that he can bring his family over means that Lu Sheng is doing quite well in the military region …” Xia Pingnan began to consider contacting some friends in the Eastern Military Region to gather more information on Lu Sheng.
“This kid is like a dragon entering the sea. It won’t be long before he truly soars …” Xia Pingnan mused a bit more, then chatted with Lu Hai and his wife about some trivial matters.
It was quite a sight to see a provincial governor discussing topics like the recent rise in pork prices and the need to raise delivery workers’ wages with these two ordinary folks.
As they were chatting, a horn suddenly sounded from outside. Everyone in the living room instinctively turned their heads.
“Is Xiao Sheng back?” Lu Hai and his wife stood up excitedly, and Lu Qinghe’s eyes also lit up.
Xia Pingnan said nothing. Someone hurriedly walked in from outside and whispered a few words in his ear. Xia Pingnan nodded slightly, and his aura as a provincial governor suddenly spread, his expression becoming much more serious and authoritative.
“It’s the car of a Major General from the Dongning Provincial Military Region. They’re probably here to see me …”
Xia Pingnan said to Lu Hai and his wife, “I’m afraid I won’t be able to stay for dinner today. A high-ranking officer from the Eastern Military Region is visiting Baihe, and I must personally receive them.”
“Oh, oh.”
Lu Hai and his wife quickly understood, saying, “Elder Xia, don’t worry about us. You should go about your business.”
“I’ll visit again when Lu Sheng returns.”
“Definitely, definitely.” Lu Hai’s family escorted Xia Pingnan out of the house.
When they stepped outside, they noticed two more cars parked outside the Lu family’s villa. One of the cars, whether in appearance, specification, or license plate, was not inferior to Xia Pingnan’s vehicle. In some people’s eyes, it might even have a more intimidating presence.
SD East 0001 …