Chapter 44 : Chapter 44
Chapter 44. Compensation and a Huge Sum
After leaving the training ground, Xu Yuan went to the quiet chamber. He took out a portion of Vein-Nourishing Powder and Blood-Activating Pills, consumed a small amount, and immediately began practicing.
After half an hour passed, the medicinal effects of the two precious medicines were gradually exhausted.
Only then did Xu Yuan slowly stop, standing in place as he exhaled a breath of turbid air.
With a thought, he opened the panel in his mind.
[Skills: Tai Chi Exercise (Major Mastery 3%), Stone Platform Stance (Major Mastery 2%), Benlei Fist (Minor Mastery 4%)]
[Aptitude: 11 (Naturally Gifted)]
“What should I focus on next—improving my cultivation, or strengthening my martial skills?”
Xu Yuan stared at the data, pondering for a moment before quickly making a decision.
“For now, I should focus on improving my cultivation. As for Benlei Fist and Tai Chi Exercise, practicing a bit more each night will be sufficient.”
Moreover, if he encountered any obscure points, the two could complement each other, allowing insights to transfer between them.
“First refine cultivation, then pursue martial skills.” Xu Yuan made this plan based on his current situation.
Cultivation directly increased strength and reaction speed, providing tangible improvements. While martial skills were important in battles between those of the same realm, Xu Yuan was not yet at that stage.
After all, the force of Minor Mastery could only truly be supported at the Fourth Meridian. Practicing it excessively now would be of little use.
“As for my cultivation…”
Based on his current progress, Xu Yuan estimated that he would break through to the Third Meridian around the middle of next month.
“The only issue is that the consumption of precious medicine has increased. With slightly higher dosages, my monthly expenses will reach around ten taels of silver. That is quite a heavy cost.”
“If only that treasure meat were unlimited. Otherwise, I could increase my speed even further.”
Xu Yuan recalled the treasure meat he had eaten before. After consuming it, his blood and vitality surged, increasing his cultivation speed by ten to twenty percent.
“But I should already be satisfied. At this rate, I should be able to break through to the Fourth Meridian in four to five months!”
At this thought, Xu Yuan could not help but feel a surge of excitement.
Upon reaching the Fourth Meridian, one could achieve Minor Mastery of force, projecting it three inches beyond the body. Not only would power increase, but within the Shangyang Residence, one could also be promoted to head servant.
As the name implied, a head servant managed other servants. Compared to ordinary retainers, the status was entirely different—wherever one went, one would be considered a person of standing.
“Even Steward Zhao has been stuck at this realm for many years, unable to break through. That shows just how difficult it is.”
Xu Yuan shook his head. Fortunately, he had no limit to his aptitude—he only needed to keep grinding forward.
Having set his goal, Xu Yuan became even more motivated. Aside from his fixed teaching hours, all his remaining time could be devoted to cultivation.
Even after becoming a Second Meridian martial artist, he did not relax. Instead, he continued as before—carefully planning his time and practicing diligently without pause.
In the afternoon, during the Wei hour, after finishing teaching, Ye Qing’er and Li Hua had already sold out their Vein-Nourishing Soup. After greeting him, they left on their own.
In the evening, Xu Yuan returned to his residence. A servant had already brought a basin of hot water, attending to him as he washed his feet and hands, then cleaned the room thoroughly before leaving respectfully.
Xu Yuan could not help but sigh, “No wonder so many masters enjoy being served. It truly is much more comfortable.”
…
The next morning, after the rain had cleared, the sky brightened.
Xu Yuan once again arrived early at the training ground, practicing the stance technique alone.
Some trainees caught on and tried to imitate him, but in the end, they only grasped fragments of it.
Soon, Ye Qing’er and Li Hua arrived carrying the medicinal soup, greeting him with smiles.
“Instructor Xu, good morning!”
“Good morning.” Xu Yuan nodded.
After chatting briefly, Ye Qing’er walked lightly to her station as the time approached.
Xu Yuan first went to the rear courtyard to teach the laborers. Then he came to the center of the training ground, swept his gaze across the crowd, and asked,
“Have you all memorized the stance technique taught yesterday?”
“Who would like to come up and demonstrate?”
As soon as he finished speaking, the trainees immediately raised their hands in unison.
After yesterday, they had realized that opportunities for personal guidance from the instructor were rare, and naturally did not want to miss them.
Xu Yuan did not bother to see who raised their hands first. He casually selected a few who caught his eye. After guiding them, he told everyone to continue practicing on their own.
As for the expectant—or even resentful—looks from others, Xu Yuan ignored them entirely.
Guiding those few earlier had only been a whim. For him, it was enough to meet the minimum requirements of the job. After all, he needed to reserve time for his own improvement.
In the afternoon.
After finishing teaching, Xu Yuan was about to return to the quiet chamber to continue practicing when a servant hurried over, saying that Zhao Qiusheng was looking for him.
Entering the Affairs Hall, Zhao Qiusheng was seated at his desk, writing. Having passed the busiest period, he now had some leisure time.
“Uncle Zhao, did you call for me because of something?” Xu Yuan asked.
“What kind of question is that? Can I not call you over just to chat?” Zhao Qiusheng set down his brush, smiled, and exchanged a few pleasantries.
Then he took out an exquisite small box and said,
“This is somewhat a private matter. That Quan Xiong from the Wild Wolf Gang—he has a conflict with you, correct?”
“Today, Steward Liu Yue from the Internal Affairs Office came to me, hoping I could mediate. Quan Xiong is willing to apologize for what happened before and has sent one hundred taels of silver. He also specifically asked me to pass along a message: Li Daqiang offended you and deserved his death. His household has already been confiscated.”
After speaking, Zhao Qiusheng seemed concerned that Xu Yuan might misunderstand and waved his hand.
“I owed Liu Yue a favor before, so I agreed to pass along the message. As for your decision, you do not need to consider me.”
Hearing this, Xu Yuan sneered inwardly. ‘This Quan Xiong really has quite the arrogance. Even when offering compensation, he is unwilling to come in person?’
However, he could understand it. Both of them were at the Second Meridian. Apologizing face-to-face would cost Quan Xiong his pride. Having someone mediate was already a show of sincerity.
Xu Yuan had transmigrated midway into this life. Aside from his elder brother and sister-in-law, he had little emotional attachment to anyone else.
However, this man still bore the responsibility for causing his parents’ deaths. In both sentiment and reason, he should not accept this.
Thus, Xu Yuan now had two choices, leading to three possible outcomes.
First, he could refuse reconciliation and confront Quan Xiong directly. Liu Yue would likely not compromise either. If both sides completely fell out, a seasoned steward and a three-striped retainer would be troublesome opponents for him.
Second, he could refuse reconciliation, forcing Liu Yue to abandon Quan Xiong. But that did not mean Xu Yuan could easily control Quan Xiong. Cornered, a desperate man could act unpredictably. Moreover, Liu Yue would certainly harbor resentment and might secretly retaliate when given the chance.
Lastly, he could accept reconciliation for now, appease both parties, and settle the matter later once he broke through to the Third or even Fourth Meridian—when he would have far greater control.
And at his current pace, that breakthrough would not take long.
With that thought, Xu Yuan made his decision. He accepted the box and said,
“Thank you, Uncle Zhao. Please inform Steward Liu that I agree to reconcile.”
“As for what comes next… that can be dealt with later.”
Everyone knew—accepting the money did not mean accepting the apology. The money would be taken, but the life would still be collected.
As for deceiving them and breaking trust?
Well, matters between martial artists could hardly be called deception.
This was merely tactical misdirection—a bit of hardship along the road.
“Mm. I will pass along the first part of your message to Steward Liu.”
Zhao Qiusheng observed Xu Yuan’s expression and roughly understood his thoughts, nodding in approval.
Having just broken through to the Second Meridian and being at the height of youthful vigor, yet still able to control his emotions and assess the situation clearly—such composure was rare.
However, if Xu Yuan knew what he was thinking, he would likely laugh.
The truth was simple—he just was not close to his parents in this life.
The two chatted a bit more before Xu Yuan took his leave.
Returning to his residence, he opened the small box. Inside lay a gleaming pile of silver, its brilliance dazzling under the candlelight.
A full one hundred taels of silver!
“Quan Xiong is quite generous. This money perfectly meets my current needs—it has come at just the right time.”
Xu Yuan raised his brows and put it away.
Then he headed back to the quiet chamber and resumed practicing the stance technique once more.
…