Martial Arts Awakening, Bloodfire Fist Master

"Who is this person, and what are they pulling?"

"Smack."

A slap landed on the head of the gate guard who had spoken, and the guard captain scolded, "Are you blind? This is Manager Zhao from Qingwu Trading Company. Manager Zhao, please come in."

Manager Zhao nodded slightly, already used to this attitude, and then pointed to Zhang Qingshan in front of the carriage behind him and said, "This is our Seventh Master of the Martial Arts School. Do you recognize him?"

"Yes, yes, I would never forget. This humble servant greets Seventh Master."

After crossing the city gate, Zhang Qingshan could still faintly hear soft mutterings coming from behind.

"Boss, there are big shots everywhere. What if I can't remember them all?"

"If you can't remember, then you'd better die, or you'll lose your job."

"Boss, don't scare him. Kid, learn to read people's appearances. As the saying goes, respect the clothes before you respect the person. Of course, you should remember that. If you're really unlucky and don't know how to read people, well, you'll die somewhere if you don't eat there."

Zhang Qingshan knew that even if some members of the official garrison and the higher-ups of the constables and constables didn't care about the Qinghe Martial Arts School, the people below them wouldn't dare to be arrogant.

Another reason is that everyone knows this is the end of the dynasty, the official authority has long been lost, the power has been lost, and the fists of the people are becoming more and more rampant.

This world is not the ordinary world of my previous life. It possesses extraordinary power. Even when the Great Yan Holy Dynasty was prosperous, it could not bring the world under its control, let alone now that its authority has declined.

The world today can be described as a place where martial arts families and the imperial court jointly govern, and where demons and barbarians also reside, making society more complex and bizarre.

The carriage traveled for a while, passing through bustling streets, and finally appeared in a relatively quiet long street and alley.

The streets and alleys were lined with courtyards made of blue bricks and black tiles. There weren't many people coming and going, but everyone was dressed neatly, looked smart, and had a good complexion.

This is Anmin Street, where well-to-do families live. The area is relatively safe, with county police and constables patrolling the streets day and night.

This is a perk of becoming an inner disciple. Sixth Senior Brother gave him several addresses, and Zhang Qingshan chose this one.

Because Zhang Qingshan's strength improved too quickly, he didn't stay in the outer courtyard for long, and he's only now slowly learning about many things at the martial arts school.

Senior disciples from the outer courtyard of the martial arts school also have income, either by working in businesses under the school's umbrella or by becoming retainers in other merchants.

But once you become an inner disciple, you become the backbone and core of the martial arts school.

Besides being able to return home and serve the family, one must share the honor and disgrace of the martial arts school. This is why the sixth senior brother and the eldest senior sister were angry with those inner disciples who left and wanted to clean up the sect.

It was only after becoming an inner disciple that Zhang Qingshan began to realize that Qinghe Martial Arts School was not just a martial arts school, but also had a huge business empire.

Under the martial arts school is the Qingwu Trading Company, which has a wide range of businesses, including purchasing goods, opening restaurants and stalls, and engaging in foreign trade.

There's also the Qingwu Escort Agency, which is the main destination for the outer disciples of the martial arts school.

There are also medicinal herb farms, etc.

It can be said that the introduction from his sixth senior brother broadened Zhang Qingshan's horizons.

The tuition fees for martial arts apprentices are not the main source of income for martial arts schools.

After the initial surprise, it seemed perfectly reasonable. The people at the martial arts school weren't NPCs; they possessed immense power, so there was no reason for them to live off the meager income from teaching disciples.

Zhang Qingshan recalled the joy he felt when his sixth senior brother introduced him to the martial arts school, repeatedly saying that he was finally free. He didn't object to his sixth senior brother's arrangement; staying at the martial arts school was fine too.

The carriage stopped in front of a large gate in the middle of the alley.

Two small stone lions guard the gate, adding a touch of solemnity and grandeur.

Seeing Manager Zhao leading a group of people to move things, Zhang Qingshan's parents and second sister were somewhat apprehensive.

While exchanging polite words with the people helping, she assisted with the moving, afraid of breaking her own pots and pans, yet also feeling that her belongings were too shabby and somewhat embarrassed compared to the magnificent house in front of her.

Because when they secretly examined the house, it was completely beyond their imagination.

I originally thought I would enter a small courtyard where a family would sit under a tree around a fire pit to cook and warm themselves.

I had previously heard Zhang Ergui and Liu Dalong talk about that shed and courtyard.

Before setting off, I thought that even if it were better and became a detached house, it would probably still be in a similar situation.

But now, what is before my eyes?

The two large gates, with two small lions on either side and a plaque above them with words written on it, looked very formal and sophisticated.

Surrounding the gate is a clean and neat wall made of blue bricks, with neatly arranged spikes carved with distinct patterns, which makes people feel safe and awe.

Upon entering the gate, you first come to a courtyard with bluestone paving, square and spacious, with green plants and roses planted on both sides. At this time, some flowers are in full bloom, which makes people feel happy.

Behind the courtyard, there are rows of side rooms on both sides, and a large well in one corner. In the middle, there is a covered walkway with a hanging door separating the front and back courtyards. Although there are no carved dragons or phoenixes, the carvings are still exquisite.

After passing through, you enter the inner courtyard, which is equally spacious and even more exquisite, with a clever layout. There is a small well and a fishpond made of large stones on one side, where a group of golden fish swim and play.

Surrounded by verandas, with greenery protecting the crabapple and magnolia trees, the courtyard is paved with smooth, clean, and bright stone slabs.

The main house is bright and spacious, with vermilion pillars. The main hall is fully equipped with an eight-immortal table and grand master chairs, while the windows of the side rooms are exquisite.

More importantly, a small training ground has been set up in the right corner for convenient training.

Overall, the house and courtyard are well-organized and orderly, with the front and back courtyards arranged in a serene and tranquil manner.

There were also three or five maids standing to the side, respectfully addressing the master, mistress, young master, and young lady.

All of this left Zhang Dagui, Qin Ying, and Zhang Xiaoyan speechless and standing frozen in place.

This must be what the houses of those scholarly and official families in traditional operas look like.

It was completely beyond their comprehension. They felt that even the plants were different from those in the village, and seemed much more noble and high-class.

It made them feel restless and unable to relax.

Even Zhang Xiaocao, the younger sister who was thinking about the delicious meat buns, seemed restrained at this moment.

She stood there dumbfounded, clinging to Zhang Qingshan's leg, looking timidly at the scene before her. It was completely different from Zhangjia Village; there wasn't even mud or chicken droppings on the ground. She dared not step on it, much less speak.

The shop assistants who helped with the move respectfully took their leave.

Zhang's father, mother, and second sister slowly came to their senses.

Zhang Dagui rubbed his hands together. "Qingshan, is this really where we're going to stay?"

He glanced instinctively at his trouser cuffs, which still had some mud on them, and confirmed once more, "This is what we peasants are meant to live in!"

Zhang's mother also looked uneasy: "My son, I feel uncomfortable and terrified. And those people calling me 'Madam' is like shortening my lifespan. How can I listen to that?"

"How much silver would this cost? The imperial palace is probably only this big. Why don't we cancel our trip?"

Zhang Qingshan smiled and told the servants to go about their business.

Even the head of the Qingshui Gang has several servants. As a level six martial artist, it's normal for my martial arts school to have a few helpers.

I personally introduced each place to my parents, explaining things like what to pay attention to, the safety precautions for the well, how to move the well cover, how to make the washing facilities convenient, the bedroom layout, and how to manage the living room, etc.

Gradually, after they felt a sense of familiarity and ownership, they began to relax and became more comfortable and warm towards me.

Seeing the large well that belonged only to his family, he touched the wellhead again and again, and even drew a ladle of water to taste it one by one.

Especially after choosing their bedrooms, everyone whispered with joy, a sense of security and belonging welling up within them.

After becoming familiar with the courtyard, they were no longer so reserved. When the maids called them "Master" and "Madam," although they still felt awkward, they began to nod in response and showed a sense of ease.

Humans are actually very adaptable.

Zhang Qingshan estimated that his parents would get used to it in another three to five days or ten to fifteen days.

So I emphasized to my parents that these domestic helpers have it tough too, and they can ask them to do anything, but they must never become like the old rich man Zhang that everyone used to criticize.

Upon hearing this, the parents waved their hands repeatedly, saying that they were just peasants who had just been pulled out of the fields, and they would definitely treat the servants well.

After this exchange, the parents felt more present and more at ease.

The second sister also became cheerful, humming a song as she tidied her room.

My little sister has become bolder, running and laughing everywhere, touching all the new places that are different from the old fenced yard, her little face full of satisfaction.

"Your second uncle isn't here yet. If he sees our yard, he might change his mind."

"Ah, it's a pity that the eldest daughter got married. Your eldest sister has never lived in such a nice house in her whole life. She even sent a letter, but I don't know if she will receive our new address."

Zhang Qingshan comforted her, "Even if she doesn't receive it, she'll know when she gets to Zhangjia Village. Second Uncle and the others have the address. We can let her stay for a while when we have the chance."

They had two older sisters and one younger sister. Even after the eldest sister got married, they still supported and cared for each other.

Seeing his family so engrossed in their practice, he felt an increasing sense of meaning in his spiritual practice and daily life.