Physical enlightenment begins with Xingyi Quan

Chapter 70 Conspiracy (Please subscribe!!! Striving for 10,000 words a day!!!)

Chen Jianghe finished practicing his boxing in the backyard of the martial arts school and was preparing to return to his own courtyard.

Just as they reached the alleyway ahead, two figures appeared silently.

Both men were dressed in black robes and wore standard long swords at their waists—the attire of the Azure Dragon Guards.

Chen Jianghe stopped in his tracks, his right hand quietly falling to his waist.

"Young Master Chen." One of the Azure Dragon Guards stepped forward, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke with a respectful yet firm tone, "The Chief invites you to come and have a chat."

Chen Jianghe's gaze swept over the two of them, then glanced at the towering courtyard walls on both sides of the alley.

"Chief Xiao?" he asked calmly.

"Indeed." The Azure Dragon Guard nodded. "The Chief instructed that we must invite Young Hero Chen to grace us with his presence. The place isn't far; it's in a private room at Tingtao Pavilion. Tea has already been prepared."

Chen Jianghe remained silent for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Lead the way."

"Young Master Chen, please."

Two Azure Dragon Guards stood in front and behind, protecting Chen Jianghe in the middle. They appeared respectful, but in reality, they subtly blocked all possible escape routes for him.

Chen Jianghe's expression remained unchanged, but several thoughts were already racing through his mind.

Xiao Qing's purpose in seeking him out at this time is self-evident.

Tingtao Pavilion, the innermost private room on the third floor.

Pushing open the carved wooden door, the interior is elegantly furnished, with a faint scent of sandalwood in the air.

Xiao Qing sat alone behind the tea table by the window, fiddling with a set of purple clay teaware.

He wasn't wearing his usual black brocade robe today; instead, he wore a moon-white casual dress, which made him look less stern and more refined, like a scholar.

Upon seeing Chen Jianghe enter, Xiao Qing raised his head and smiled gently, "Young Master Chen, please have a seat."

Chen Jianghe clasped his hands in a fist salute: "Chief Xiao."

He sat down on the futon opposite Xiao Qing, his back straight and his gaze calm.

Xiao Qing didn't beat around the bush. She picked up the purple clay teapot and poured Chen Jianghe a cup of tea. The tea was clear and yellow, with a refreshing aroma.

"Young Master Chen is a prodigy. He broke through to the Transformation Realm at the age of eighteen and defeated Zhao Litian, the pride of the Zhao family. Now he is famous throughout Yilin."

Xiao Qing pushed the teacup towards Chen Jianghe, his tone sincere, "I have always enjoyed making friends with young heroes. I hope you will not take offense at my presumptuous invitation today."

Chen Jianghe picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "Chief Xiao, you flatter me. This junior's cultivation is meager; I dare not claim the title of hero."

"You're too modest." Xiao Qing shook his head, looking directly at Chen Jianghe. "Let's not beat around the bush. I invited you here today to ask—would you be willing to join my Azure Dragon Gang?"

He paused, and before Chen Jianghe could answer, continued, "If you agree, young hero, the position of vice leader of the Azure Dragon Gang will be vacant. Monthly stipends will be as you requested, and cultivation resources will be readily available. You may freely browse the first three floors of the gang's library. Furthermore—"

Xiao Qing took out a palm-sized black jade token from his pocket and gently placed it on the tea table.

The front of the token features a relief of a blue dragon, while the back is engraved with the ancient seal character "令" (command). It is surrounded by cloud patterns and has a faint shimmering light.

"This is the Azure Dragon Token." Xiao Qing's voice slowed, but each word was clear. "The holder of this token can mobilize all Azure Dragon Guards within Yilin County, and their authority is second only to mine. Seeing this token is like seeing the gang leader; no one in the gang dares to disobey it."

The position of deputy leader, monthly allowance, access to the library, and the Azure Dragon Token —

This stake is undeniably significant.

Chen Jianghe's gaze fell on the black jade token, and he looked at it for three breaths.

Then, he slowly raised his eyes and looked at Xiao Qing: "Chief Xiao, I am deeply grateful for your kindness. However—I am a disciple of Xingyi, and the martial arts school is my home. My master is still recovering from serious injuries, my senior brother is busy with his work, and the martial arts school and the escort agency are going through a difficult time. If I were to abandon my master and join the Qinglong Gang at this time, it would be unjust."

Xiao Qing's smile remained unchanged, but a hint of coldness flashed in his eyes.

"Young hero, you are loyal and righteous; I admire you."

He said slowly, "However, in the martial arts world, those who follow the trend prosper. Young hero, you know better than I do the current predicament of Xingyi Martial Arts School. Master Li is still injured, Young Master Su has lost an arm and needs to recuperate, and the disciples of the school have no means of livelihood—the building is about to collapse, and one pillar cannot support it."

"Young hero, with your extraordinary talent, why confine yourself to a corner and go down with this sinking ship?"

He leaned forward slightly, his voice low, carrying an undeniable allure: "Join my Azure Dragon Gang, and you'll gain resources, power, and the ability to protect whoever you wish. When your cultivation improves, you'll be the undisputed leader of Yilin County. Then, wouldn't it be far easier to support the Xingyi Martial Arts School than to struggle like this now?"

Chen Jianghe remained silent.

Xiao Qing's words, seemingly heartfelt, were in fact veiled attacks.

He was forcing Chen Jianghe to make a choice: either stay and die in the crumbling Xingyi Martial Arts School, or seek a better opportunity to survive.

It's very realistic, and also very cruel.

Chen Jianghe picked up his teacup, took another sip, and then slowly spoke: "What Chief Xiao said makes sense. However, the kindness of one's master is as high as a mountain, and one's fellow disciples are like brothers. To abandon them now would be difficult to bear."

He paused, put down his teacup, and said sincerely, "This matter is of great importance, and I need to consider it carefully before making a decision. I hope Chief Xiao will grant me a few more days."

Xiao Qing stared at Chen Jianghe for a long time.

Then, he suddenly laughed.

The smile was faint, yet it sent a chill down Chen Jianghe's spine.

"Alright." Xiao Qing nodded, putting the black jade token back into his pocket. "I await good news. In three days, the Azure Dragon Gang headquarters will host a banquet, and we look forward to welcoming you, young hero."

Chen Jianghe stood up, clasped his hands in a fist and palm salute, and said, "This junior takes his leave."

"Take care." Xiao Qing nodded and watched Chen Jianghe leave the private room.

The door closed gently.

The smile on Xiao Qing's face gradually faded, eventually turning into a cold indifference.

He picked up his cup of now-cold tea and drank it all in one gulp.

"Ungrateful," he muttered to himself, a cold glint in his eyes. "Since they can't be used by me—then they can't be kept."

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, two people emerged from behind the screen inside the private room.

It was Zhao Wuji, and Lei Zhenshan, the master of Zhenlei Martial Arts School.

"Chief Xiao, you have some impressive skills." Zhao Wuji clapped his hands, a mocking smile on his face. "The position of Vice Chief, the Azure Dragon Token—even I would be tempted by such a bargaining chip. Unfortunately, this kid is completely unmoved."

Xiao Qing glanced at him but didn't reply. Instead, she turned to Lei Zhenshan and asked, "Master Lei, did you hear what was said just now?"

Lei Zhenshan's face was ashen, his eyes were bloodshot, and his aura fluctuated slightly due to suppressed anger.

He stared intently in the direction Chen Jianghe had left.

"I heard you." Lei Zhenshan's voice was hoarse, filled with deep-seated hatred. "This boy—he must die."

A glint flashed in Zhao Wuji's eyes: "Chief Xiao, in that case, why don't we—"

"No need."

Lei Zhenshan interrupted him.

He slowly turned his head to look at Zhao Wuji and Xiao Qing, his crimson eyes churning with overwhelming killing intent and determination.

"Lei Xiao is my most outstanding disciple and the hope for the future of Zhenlei Martial Arts School."

He spoke each word slowly and deliberately, his heart filled with hatred: "His cultivation was destroyed, his meridians were all severed, and he will never have a chance to pursue martial arts again in this life—this enmity is irreconcilable."

He took a deep breath, his aura suddenly becoming more restrained, yet even more dangerous, like a volcano about to erupt.

"I, Lei Zhenshan, will avenge this grudge personally."

Zhao Wuji frowned: "Master Lei, although that kid has just entered the Transformation Realm, his actual combat skills are unpredictable, even Li Tian—"

"Patriarch Zhao, there's no need for further words." Lei Zhenshan waved his hand, his tone resolute. "My mind is made up. Tonight, I will take his life. What is a mere young man who has just entered the Transformation Realm?!"

Having said that, he ignored the two of them and strode towards the window on the other side of the private room.

I opened the window, and the night breeze rushed in.

Lei Zhenshan's figure blurred, and he darted out of the window like a night owl, disappearing into the vast night in a few leaps.

Inside the private room, Zhao Wuji and Xiao Qing exchanged a glance.

"That old bastard—" Zhao Wuji shook his head.

Xiao Qing picked up the teapot again, poured himself a cup of hot tea, and said calmly, "It's good to let him try. If he succeeds, it will save us a lot of trouble. If he fails—we can at least find out what Chen Jianghe is capable of."

Zhao Wuji nodded, a cold glint in his eyes: "Chief Xiao is right. However—just in case, shouldn't we also make some preparations?"

Xiao Qing took a sip of tea, her voice calm and unwavering: "That's natural."