Body Refinement for Longevity: From Health Cultivation Exercises to Overcoming All Techniques

The next day, Hou Chun arrived as scheduled with a group of people.

Having learned from Xiong Ye's experience, he dared not wander off alone; he would at least bring along a martial arts master of similar strength.

When the group arrived at Chen Han's house, seeing the tightly closed door, he kicked it, sending it flying several meters away.

"Young Master Shen, didn't you know I was coming today?"

He spoke in a cold tone and strode into the courtyard.

But the next moment, he was stunned.

At the far end of the courtyard, behind an open door sat two people, one looking old and the other middle-aged, drinking tea at a leisurely pace.

He knew both of them. The former was the family steward of the Chen family, a martial arts family in Black Lion City, and the other was Li, a wealthy merchant in the inner city.

Behind each of them stood several people; judging by their prominent temples, taut skin, and sturdy bodies, they were all Ming Jin martial artists!

Hou Chun's gaze instantly turned serious. "This kid has such a background?"

"My lord, what do you mean by this?"

Master Li was the first to speak and question.

He was just a wealthy merchant in the city, with only a few bodyguards who were skilled in martial arts. Although he was far inferior to the Black Mountain Gang, he could still overpower Hou Chun.

"Nothing much, I've just come to take someone away. May I ask why Master Li has come here?"

The latter sneered and retorted.

Hou Chun was backed by the Black Mountain Gang, a local tyrant who dared to burn down even government offices, so he was naturally not afraid.

"Come and sit at my nephew's house. It's you who broke my nephew's door. If you don't give me an explanation, you won't be leaving so easily today."

Before Hou Chunlai arrived, Master Li had a very pleasant conversation with the old steward of the Chen family. The two talked about many things, even learning from each other's strengths and weaknesses, and initially reached many cooperation agreements.

But now, as they were chatting, someone suddenly appeared to cause trouble for the young friend of the Chen family. Naturally, he had to fight back firmly to show his integrity and not let the old steward look down on him.

"Young friend of the Chen family... well, I didn't expect this kid to have your background."

The old steward suddenly interrupted, his tone serious, "Alright, Hou Chun, today I came not only to get to know Brother Li, but also to deal with my nephew's matter."

Immediately, several powerful martial artists behind the old steward turned their gazes to Hou Chun.

Among them was Chen Han's good friend Chen Lei. Chen Lei was hot-tempered and like a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment. He had excellent physique and extraordinary talent. Recently, he was preparing to break through the Dark Force barrier. His blood and qi were terrifyingly strong, and the atmosphere instantly froze.

Even Hou Chun, who had the backing of the biggest local tyrant in Black Lion City, felt considerable pressure.

"My nephew said you wanted to steal his wife and children and ruin his family! Is that true?!"

"What?!"

Chen Lei's fist hardened instantly, and he almost couldn't resist stepping forward to beat Hou Chun to death. He shouted fiercely, "Sissy! Do you know he's my brother! You dare touch him? You want to die?!"

"Wait a minute!"

When Hou Chun met Chen Lei's angry gaze, he panicked for a moment, fearing that after he took the lead, the others would swarm him and beat him to death with a flurry of punches!

Although the Black Mountain Gang will surely make these two families pay a heavy price in the end, he will be dead by then, so what use will all this be?

My life is the most important thing!

"Gentlemen, let's talk this out. I was just joking with my young friend Chen Han."

The old butler waved his hand, signaling Chen Lei to step back. Killing someone at this juncture would only worsen the situation, and in the end, no one would benefit.

"Hou Chun, I have some influence in the Black Lion City martial arts world. Regarding the matter between you and Chen Han, you were in the wrong first. How should we resolve this... what do you think?"

Although the old steward was old, he had a strong presence and knew how to conduct himself. With just a few words, he gave Hou Chun a way out.

Hou Chun forced a smile, realizing that someone on the other side was actually capable of making a move, so he didn't dare to act rashly anymore. His tone became much smoother, "In this matter, I was indeed in the wrong first. I apologize to my friend Chen Han. What I said before was just a joke, not serious at all."

"How about this, I'll stay far away from young friend Chen Han from now on, and I won't come anymore, okay? I'll compensate you with a new door."

"Grandpa, is this alright now?"

The old steward frowned slightly. "How much 'peace money' do you collect from my nephew each month?"

Hou Chun's eyes flashed with displeasure, but he quickly regained his respect, thinking to himself, "That Chen Han kid is really thoughtful."

"Not much, just half a tael of silver."

He lied.

"You're lying! It's clearly ten taels, a full ten taels!"

A bright-eyed, white-toothed girl suddenly appeared out of nowhere, pointed at Hou Chun's nose, and loudly exposed him, saying that it was Shen Yue.

"What! Ten taels!"

Chen Lei's eyes widened in anger, as if they were about to spit fire.

"Everyone else usually gets a hundred or so coins, why is it only ten taels for my brother? You're trying to rip him off and make him starve!"

"You villain, die!"

Enraged, Chen Lei could no longer contain himself and took a step forward like a tiger pouncing. The power of his Mountain-Breaking Fist exploded as he punched Hou Chun!

This scene took everyone present by surprise. Master Li's eyes almost popped out of their sockets. Even Chen Han couldn't believe that Chen Lei would go to such lengths for him, even risking to fight Hou Chun.

The worst fears still came true. Hou Chun took a step back, put his arms in front of his chest, his muscles tense, and he gritted his yellow teeth to the point of breaking them, barely managing to block the punch.

Before he could catch his breath, the person in front of him launched a fierce attack like a storm, each move sharp and aimed straight for vital points, delivering several punches in the blink of an eye.

Hou Chun was shocked and retreated repeatedly, raising his hands to defend himself. He held his breath tightly, not daring to relax for fear that if he made a mistake, he would be caught and killed on the spot.

"Chen Lei! Stop right there!"

Finally, a voice like a savior rang out.

Only when the old steward spoke did Chen Lei stop his attack. Looking at Hou Chun, who was still terrified, he seemed to have not yet calmed down and spat fiercely on the ground.

"Let me tell you, don't think that your Black Mountain Gang is so powerful. Things are different now. Don't think I don't know that the Black Mountain Gang is in trouble because it can't leave Black Lion City. It has sent out most of its fighting force to fight the alien beasts, and now it is also in dire straits."

Chen Lei was young and ambitious, full of vigor and high spirits. He thought more about how the enemy was weak and he was strong, and if they were not convinced, he would fight them!

If we're having a hard time, you're having an even harder time. Let's fight to the death, until we both suffer heavy losses!

Such thoughts and actions were considered extremely foolish by Master Li, the old steward, and various factions in the city.

When disaster strikes, all factions should be thinking about how to unite with other forces to better overcome the difficulties. But this guy wants to fight among himself, plunging us into internal and external troubles.

That's absolutely stupid!

Chen Han was overjoyed. He had only intended to temporarily intimidate the other party to buy himself time to recover, but now, thanks to Chen Lei's explosive temper, he had far achieved his goal of intimidation.

He was just a nobody, and given the calamity, neither side would want to disrupt the overall situation. In comparison, settling things peacefully was the best option at the moment.

Hou Chun had been in the underworld for many years and was shrewd and calculating. He could see things clearly. At first, he wanted to use the Black Mountain Gang to negotiate with both sides, admit his mistake, and accept less money. But unfortunately, there was a brute among the other side!

Now he wouldn't dare to use words to negotiate anymore. If Chen Lei couldn't help but fight him again, he would have nowhere to turn.

As expected, he gritted his teeth and said, "Regarding the peace money, I was the one who was wrong first. So, from now on, young friend Chen Han only needs to pay one tael of silver per month for peace money."

"What! One tael! I'm not satisfied. One hundred coins, not a penny more!"

"Um... one hundred coins it is, no problem, consider it making friends."