I relied on leveling up to achieve a comeback.

The next day, Xu Hao got up early.

After giving Xu Liu a few words of advice, he headed to the Chen Family Martial Arts School.

The rumor he heard yesterday hadn't been confirmed, so he came to the martial arts school to verify it and, incidentally, to learn the three-fold breaking technique of the Fierce Tiger Fist.

This experience showed him that only by becoming stronger can he control his own destiny.

If it weren't for his strong attribute points and powerful strength, he probably wouldn't have been able to escape the Cui family's fishpond at all.

Not long after Xu Hao arrived at the martial arts school, other martial arts school disciples arrived one after another, including many disciples from the middle academy who had left in a hurry the day before.

Many disciples from aristocratic families were stunned to see Xu Hao completely unharmed.

Because when they returned to their tribes, they had all heard about the battle of the previous day.

The Longevity Cult mobilized its entire force.

If the Cui family hadn't ultimately hired a fourth-level martial artist from Qinghe County, they would likely have been completely wiped out.

Even so, the losses this time were extremely heavy. Those who were able to return were all injured, and many were even abandoned in the Blackwater Swamp and never came back!

They were surprised, but they didn't contact Xu Hao or even ask him how he got back.

They naturally felt they weren't on the same level!

Xu Hao paid little attention to his surroundings, focusing instead on the museum owner.

In the morning, Chen Changhe and Chen Yinyin came from outside, helping some martial arts school disciples.

Tangshan Mountain was one of them.

When Xu Hao saw Tang Dengshan, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.

After all, among the Chen family martial arts school, Tang Dengshan was the only one who was on good terms with him and had genuinely helped him.

However, when Xu Hao finally saw Tang Dengshan clearly, his expression darkened.

At this moment, Tang Dengshan was severely injured, and he had lost an arm.

"Master, is Senior Brother Tang here?" Xu Hao hurriedly went to greet him.

"He was ambushed at the Cui family's fishpond!" The owner, Chen Changhe, said with a menacing look.

Tang Dengshan, however, seemed nonchalant. "It's nothing, just a broken arm. Thanks to Master's rescue, I'm finally back alive. It's a pity about Jia Gui and the other fellow disciples!"

"The Eternal Life Cult's evil deeds should be eradicated!" Chen Yinyin said angrily from the side.

"Yes!" Xu Hao sighed.

Jia Gui also stayed at the Cui family's fishpond.

He still remembered the first time Jia Gui broke the mirror, he showed him a provocative look, but before he could do anything, Jia Gui himself was robbed.

"Alright, you can go cultivate now!" Master Chen Changjie said to Xu Hao, "The Cui family has already issued a compensation plan. You're on a temporary assignment with the Cui family, so hurry up and collect your assignment fee. Otherwise, the Cui family might leave!"

"Ah? Yes!" Xu Hao nodded, then said goodbye to Tang Dengshan.

Xu Hao headed towards the Cui family's house.

Today, the area in front of the Cui family mansion is packed with people.

Most of them were women and children.

They wept, demanding an explanation from the Cui family.

Clearly, many of those who held temporary positions in the Cui family remained forever in the Cui family's fishpond.

Although it was said that the Eternal Life Sect plotted the murder, the Cui family could not escape involvement.

Logically speaking, such a feudal family would find some reasons or excuses, but the Cui family was kind-hearted and also provided compensation.

Even so, she still encountered a lot of trouble from her family members.

Xu Hao took the identification token and then entered the Cui family's residence.

Soon, Xu Hao's stipend for his temporary post came in, totaling thirty taels.

"Xu Hao, my young lady requests your presence!" Just as Xu Hao was about to leave, Cui Zhishan came looking for him.

"Okay!" Xu Hao nodded.

Soon, Xu Hao was led to a reception room.

Cui Lingyue was still wearing a long dress, but her face was not as rosy and delicate as it had been the night before.

Clearly, she didn't have a good time after last night's battle.

"Our Cui family has decided to leave Qinghe County!"

Xu Hao had just sat down when Cui Lingyue dropped a bombshell.

Although the Cui family was not the largest family in Qinghe County, they were definitely the most prosperous family in terms of business.

It covers many aspects, and the treasure fish is just one of them.

Xu Hao hadn't expected that he wouldn't want any of these things?

Is it because they fear further retaliation from the Eternal Life Sect?

"This place is too small!" Cui Lingyue stood with her hands behind her back, looking up at the sky with a complex expression on her face.

Xu Hao couldn't understand it at all.

However, he understood.

Qinghe County is indeed not very big; the highest level of martial artist there is only a fourth-level breakthrough.

For those with ambition, especially for Cui Lingyue who has already broken through four levels, it's not a big deal.

"Are you willing to come with my Cui family?" Cui Lingyue sighed for a moment, then turned around and asked.

"Uh." Xu Hao was taken aback by the question.

"If you come with my Cui family and sign a retainer contract, my Cui family will guarantee you a fourth-level breakthrough in cultivation, and there's no doubt that you'll have the possibility of advancing further in the future!" Cui Lingyue stared at Xu Hao.

Xu Hao was taken aback.

Four-stage warrior?

Isn't that a piece of cake? He just needs to train diligently at the Chen Family Martial Arts School, and breaking through to the fourth level will be a natural outcome.

Does this even need insurance?

However, Xu Hao did have some expectations for taking it to the next level.

Since he has already broken through two levels, if the Cui family can offer a tempting price, such as taking him as a son-in-law, he would be willing to condescend to it!

Xu Hao muttered to himself, then asked, "What is a retainer contract?"

Cui Lingyue clapped her hands, and then Cui Zhishan walked in, holding a document in his hand.

Cui Lingyue said, "As long as you sign the retainer contract, all the previous promises can be fulfilled!"

Xu Hao did not respond blindly, but picked up the document and examined it carefully.

Soon, his brows furrowed.

This so-called retainer contract, though called a retainer, is actually just a bodyguard kept by a noble family, who obeys the master's every command.

To put it nicely, they were retainers; in reality, they were just household slaves.

"I'm sorry, I can't agree!" Xu Hao quickly put down the document and refused.

For such a small benefit, they actually want his personal freedom and expect him to work for the Cui family?

He originally thought Cui Lingyue was beautiful, poised, and wouldn't have the flaws of aristocratic manners.

Even now, it still maintains an air of superiority.

"It's alright, even if the deal falls through, we can still be on good terms! If you ever come to my senses, come to the prefectural city, and I'll still give you the same price!" Cui Lingyue said with a smile.

"Then I'll take my leave!" Xu Hao didn't waste any words. Since he couldn't gain anything from it, there was no need to stay any longer.

Although he was grateful to the other party for giving him the Swift Step manual, it wasn't something he should risk his life for.

"Please!" Cui Lingyue said politely.

Xu Hao turned and left, heading directly to the Chen family martial arts school after leaving the Cui family residence.

"Young Miss, why don't you mention that you've been recruited as an outer disciple by the Five Elements Sect?" Cui Zhishan asked. "If you bring it up, I think he'll cling firmly to the Cui family as a powerful ally!"

"No need. Everyone has their own ambitions. Since his ambitions lie elsewhere, there's nothing more to say!" Cui Lingyue smiled faintly. "Have all of the Cui family's assets been sold this time?"

"Yes!" Cui Zhishan nodded.

"Qinghe County is a barren land. Only the prefectural city is the ideal place for my Cui family to grow and prosper!"

The Cui family continued to pay compensation, while Xu Hao returned to the Chen family martial arts school, visited Tang Dengshan, and then went directly to the backyard to visit the school master, Chen Changhe.

It's time to work hard for the third breakthrough!