Starting from the Locked Dragon Well, I'll grind my way to becoming the Great Sage of Immortal

Zhang Xiao was only one month behind Jiang Qi. Three days ago, he also successfully broke through to the mid-stage of the Blood Burning Realm and entered the inner courtyard.

However, his habit of "crying poor and asking for money" has not changed at all.

"No," Jiang Qi replied immediately and strode away.

This wasn't entirely an excuse; he genuinely had very little cash left.

After nearly a month of cultivation, the subsidies from Litong Money Shop, the monthly salary from the Ironclad Gang, and the tonics and silver obtained from Yan Beifeng have all been exhausted.

He still had the two hundred-tael silver notes, but he dared not use them easily.

These large-denomination banknotes are numbered and recorded by the money shop. Yan Beifeng has only been dead for a month. Using them rashly carries unknown risks.

Fortunately, it's the beginning of the month, so I can go to Lee Tong Money Shop to collect the new subsidies.

Once we have the resources, let's press on and strive to break through to the fifth level of Qi and Blood as soon as possible!

Jiang Qi pondered to himself.

......

Litong Money Shop.

"Brother Jiang is here. Come on, let's go inside."

When Pang Zhan saw Jiang Qi, he was as warm as ever. After exchanging a few pleasantries, he led Jiang Qi to an elegant inner hall in the back.

"Young Brother Jiang, please sit down." Seventh Master Pang Wei sat at the head of the table.

Below them, there were two more people.

The man was tall and thin, with a cold and stern face, a straight back like a spear, sharp eyes, and an aura that was intimidating.

The other person was slightly shorter, but had a sturdy build and muscular arms, giving him a steady and powerful appearance.

"Come, let me introduce you," Pang Wei said with a smile. "Qin Lin and Han Long from Zhenyue Martial Arts School are both rare young talents."

He then said to Qin Lin and Han Long, "This is Jiang Qi from Zhenyuan Martial Arts School. Although he has only recently entered the mid-stage, he has exceptional talent and a promising future."

Qin Lin simply nodded, glancing at Jiang Qi without paying him much attention.

Han Long returned the greeting with a smile, his attitude polite, but there was also scrutiny and comparison in the depths of his eyes.

They were all people sponsored by Pang Wei, and they should have lived together.

However, there is a long-standing rivalry among the martial arts schools in Licheng, and while Jiang Qiming only has four strands of qi and blood on his face, they all have five strands.

Due to the blood pressure control system, Jiang Qi was not included in the same category.

Pang Wei seemed oblivious to these subtle emotions and said with a smile, "Since all three of you are here today, and it's almost noon, why don't we have lunch together and get to know each other better?"

As soon as he said this, someone set out wine and dishes.

"Come on, have a drink first."

Pang Wei took the lead, raised his cup, and drank it all in one gulp.

Seeing this, Jiang Qi and the other two raised their glasses as well.

"Try this lotus seedpod fish dumpling. Freshly picked tender lotus seedpods are stuffed into Lishui River fish and steamed. The lotus fragrance permeates the fish meat, making it not only delicious but also beneficial for replenishing qi and blood..." Pang Wei said with a smile.

This meal seemed to have been specially prepared by Pang Wei and Pang Zhan, consisting of more than ten dishes made with precious fish and animal meat, a rarity outside.

Jiang Qi had never eaten the so-called treasure fish before, but after a few bites, he found it to be tender, delicious, and flavorful.

in this way,

After several rounds of drinks...

Pang Wei suddenly turned to Qin Lin and asked, "How are the preparations for tomorrow's 'small competition' going? If you need anything, just say so."

Qin Lin put down his wine glass and said solemnly, "Seventh Master, rest assured, I have made all the preparations and will certainly not tarnish your reputation."

The "small competition" that Pang Wei mentioned was a regular competition held within the Pang family, in which each branch nominated martial artists they sponsored to compete. The results determined each branch's status and resource allocation within the family.

The three mid-stage martial artists that Pang Wei is currently sponsoring are the three people in front of him.

Qin Lin, who is the strongest on the surface, is naturally the main force on which high hopes are placed.

Today's grand banquet is mainly for Qin Lin.

Pang Wei nodded in satisfaction, then looked at Jiang Qi with a warm smile: "Brother Jiang, if you have nothing important to do tomorrow, you might as well come and watch the battle. With martial artists from various schools gathered here, the martial arts techniques are diverse, and the fighting experience is invaluable, which may be beneficial to you."

"I'll definitely come and see for myself then," Jiang Qi replied.

After all, we're receiving financial assistance, so we have to give them this much face.

"Alright!" Pang Wei raised his glass. "Then let's wish Qin Lin all the best, and hope that the three of you can exchange ideas and improve together in the future!"

"Thank you, Seventh Master!" The group raised their glasses and drank together.

......

The banquet was halfway over, and the delicacies were gradually being eaten.

Pang Zhan delivered the monthly aid in a timely manner: thirty taels of silver, fifteen blood-nourishing pills, and two blood-accumulating pills for each person.

Qin Lin and Han Long accepted the donation, maintaining a respectful and grateful expression, but a strange glint flashed deep in their eyes.

If one takes the same amount of Qi and blood from the five channels as from the four channels, it will be difficult to maintain balance in one's heart.

However, out of consideration for Pang Wei, he did not reveal it.

Jiang Qi accepted the donation and thanked him with a cupped hand.

Just now.

"Hey, Seventh Brother's eating here, it's quite lively!" A voice came from the doorway.

Looking in the direction of the sound, they saw a man dressed in a brocade robe strolling in with a smile.

Two young men followed behind him. One of them had a square face and sharp eyes. As soon as he came over, his eyes fell on Qin Lin and Han Long.

The other man had a cold smile on his lips, his gaze fixed on Jiang Qi.

This person is clearly Hu Yun, who has repeatedly provoked the Zhenyuan Martial Arts School without success.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Pang Wei's smile faded, and he put down his wine cup: "Fifth Brother, is there something you need?"

The visitor was Pang Yun, another manager of Litong Money Shop. He was the fifth son in his family and was known as Fifth Master. He and Pang Wei had a long-standing feud.

Pang Yun strolled to the table, his gaze sweeping over the leftover food, and said sarcastically, "Seventh Brother really spares no expense when it comes to entertaining guests. This Lijiang Silver-Scaled Treasure Fish must be worth at least twenty taels of silver on the market, right?"

Upon hearing this, the young man with a square face behind him looked at Qin Lin and Han Long with even more hostility.

Hu Yun, on the other hand, made no attempt to hide his cold smile at Jiang Qi, as if he were looking at something that was an eyesore.

"Fifth Brother, why don't you sit down and have something to eat?" Pang Wei asked in a flat tone.

Pang Yun waved his hand, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Qi and the other two, finally landing on Qin Lin and Han Long, where he put on a fake smile.

"These two must be Qin Lin and Han Long from Zhenyue Martial Arts School, right? I've heard that you two are exceptionally talented, advancing to the mid-stage in less than a year. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary and truly formidable young talents."

Although Qin Lin and Han Long were displeased, they dared not be negligent and stood up, bowing respectfully: "Greetings, Fifth Master."

Pang Yun then turned to Jiang Qi, his smile deepening: "Jiang Qi, young brother Jiang, you have quite the reputation. You've won the favor of Shen Xuncheng, the Demon Suppression Division, who gifted you a Blood Nourishing Pill."

Having entered Zhenyuan Martial Arts School for only half a year, he has already broken through to the intermediate stage, truly a prodigy at a young age, and his talent is astounding.

These words sound like praise, but anyone could hear the sarcasm in the tone.

"These two beside Fifth Brother are also outstanding individuals." Pang Wei didn't back down either, and immediately looked at the square-faced young man, "Is this Xuan Le from Zhenyue Martial Arts School? I heard that he has mastered the 'Mountain Opening Fist' and his strength is unparalleled. He is a popular choice for 'Martial Artist' in this year's Martial Arts Examination."

He then glanced at Hu Yun: "Brother Hu Yun's 'Wind Chasing Step' is also quite remarkable. His movements are swift and agile, and he is among the best in the inner courtyard of Zhenyuan Martial Arts School."

Pang Yun snorted lightly, seemingly unconcerned about Pang Wei's counterattack, then feigned surprise as if suddenly remembering something:

"By the way, Seventh Brother, the clan has recently issued a series of orders requiring that all sponsorship contracts must be signed by the sponsor himself with his fingerprint and filed for future reference."

The clan is keeping a close eye on this matter, so Seventh Brother, you mustn't be careless or forget the rules.

After saying that, he didn't linger. He took a deep breath, pretending to be intoxicated by the aroma of the dishes on the table, before leaving with Hu Yun and Xuan Le.

The atmosphere in the hall became somewhat tense for a moment.