Monster Hunter, start with a wife!

"The origins of ancient martial arts?"

Cheng Zhuo repeated those four words softly in his throat, paused for a moment, and then looked up to ask:

"Are there any limitations to this style? Since this method of awakening exists, why isn't it more widespread? Ancient martial arts combined with source energy sounds amazing."

"There are many reasons, such as the difficulty of fusion, which requires a large amount of the caster's cultivation."

Lao Gao's voice deepened slightly:

"Furthermore, ancient martial arts traditions have only existed for a hundred years. This kind of heaven-defying act of consuming one's own cultivation to forcibly enhance the potential of others is naturally extremely limited. Therefore, ancient martial arts traditions are all based on a master-disciple system, and the number of disciples is usually very small."

"I see." Cheng Zhuo suddenly realized.

"So, if I want to receive this inheritance, I have to become your disciple?"

"Let's leave the matter of becoming an apprentice aside for now."

Old Gao waved his hand and said, "I need to remind you that you only have one chance to fuse the Ancient Martial Arts Meditation Card. If you receive my inheritance, you may only reach the A level, and you will never be able to receive the inheritance of other Origin Martial Artists again. You can only practice the techniques I passed on to you. Of course, if you have the ability to create your own, then you are amazing."

"Uh... I don't think I have the ability to find another master."

"Young Master, you can."

Mentioning Huangfu Bai, a hint of inexplicable pride appeared on Lao Gao's lips:

"If you can wait a year or two, until the young master completes his grand plan, he can introduce you to a grandmaster who might be able to help you advance to S-rank. You should know the power of an S-rank ancient martial arts inheritor; your Star Iron City has one."

Who is it?

"That little girl named Mu Yanzhi is actually quite strong."

Mu Yanzhi, at the peak of the sixth rank, was only described as having "decent strength" by this person?

Cheng Zhuo was slightly taken aback. After hesitating for a moment, he asked:

"Uncle Gao, I only have one question."

"you say."

Will the inheritance of ancient martial arts styles affect my second awakening of my true nature?

"No, not at all."

Old Gao glanced at him, his tone tinged with confusion:

"But with such a low awakening rate, why even consider this? Are you really hoping for a second awakening?"

"That's fine then."

Having confirmed there were no further worries, Cheng Zhuo immediately stood up, imitated the gesture of clasping his hands in a fist and bowing respectfully:

"Master, please accept my bow."

"I don't plan to take on any apprentices for the time being."

Old Gao looked up at him, raised his fingertips in the air, and a gentle yet irresistible force helped Cheng Zhuo up.

Then, with a solemn expression, he said:

"Our school is called 'Liangyi'. It emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang and is one of the seven major schools of ancient martial arts. Since you have agreed, I can make an exception and pass on my skills to you. As for becoming a disciple, we can talk about that later."

Cheng Zhuo nodded, "Yes, Master."

Uncle Gao was unwilling to take on any apprentices, whether it was because he was too busy or because he didn't think much of him. Cheng Zhuo had no objection to the inheritance since it was essentially a freebie.

Not having a master is fine too; it saves you from all the formalities.

However, the title of "Master" must still be used, as it is a high-ranking person who has described Mu Yanzhi as having "not bad strength."

Perhaps he's a character similar to the Sweeping Monk.

"I only have one request."

Old Gao's voice suddenly turned deep:

"Under no circumstances are you allowed to do anything to harm the young master."

"Brother Huangfu and I have been through thick and thin together. I've saved him twice already, so you can rest assured about that."

Cheng Zhuo said with absolute certainty.

What a joke! A tycoon who can casually transfer a billion dollars, unless he's out of his mind, would you offend him.

"Come with me."

Old Gao got up and walked outside.

"Is it starting already?" Cheng Zhuo hurriedly followed:

"Don't we need to prepare some advanced breathing techniques or something?"

"I prepared blank meditation cards." Old Gao explained without turning his head, "The origin of ancient martial arts relies on the instructor's cultivation level as a foundation, and has nothing to do with the level of the source card."

The two walked out of the wolf pack's base.

The sun had already set, and the last rays of red glow hung in the sky.

A chill began to creep into the wilderness, and the occasional low howl of a strange beast could be heard from afar, while the wind swirled the sand and gravel, making a soft rustling sound.

Old Gao stopped walking only when he reached a clearing of gravel.

"This is fine."

Cheng Zhuo was slightly nervous. "Is there anything I need to do?"

"Just stay calm. It might hurt a little later, so you have to bear it," Lao Gao instructed.

"good!"

……

……

Wolf Pack Base.

A large conference room.

The cold white overhead light hung directly above the long conference table, and even the aroma of coffee in the air seemed oppressive.

Deputy Director Hu Yansong sat in the main seat, his knuckles tapping lightly on the dark wooden table, and said in a deep voice:

"Anyone else have any ideas? Speak up! We must keep S-rank prospective talents in the city, even if nearby towns are safer than Redstone Town. Does anyone have the ability to persuade them to stay?"

"If all else fails... should we keep her under house arrest at the base?"

A member of parliament wearing round-framed glasses in the corner made a suggestion in a low voice, but shrank back as soon as he spoke.

"madness!"

Songhe from the Ashes Ruins Guild suddenly chuckled, his tone full of flippant mockery:

"You want to turn an S-rank hunter into an enemy of the city-state??"

The congressman blushed and pouted as he tried to explain:

"What else can we do? We can't just stand by and watch someone jump into a fire, can we?"

"I don't think the deputy director needs to be in too much of a hurry."

Song He leaned back in his chair, legs crossed, looking nonchalant. "Women, most of them admire strength. Once Xia Chan finds out that Cheng Zhuo is just a pretty face, she'll dump him and obediently return to the city-state before long."

"You're certainly 'strong,' senior, but why don't I see any admiration for you?"

A cold female voice suddenly interrupted him, her tone as sarcastic as ice shards.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw Rosa from the Holy Beast Guild with her fingertips pressed against her red lips, a cold light gleaming in her eyes—

This star hunter, who always paid great attention to etiquette and was the young lady of the city lord's family, was unusually angry, clearly angered by Songhe's disrespectful remarks.

"Little Rosa, that's not what I meant..."

Song He's nonchalant expression froze instantly, and he gave a dry laugh in an attempt to smooth things over:

"With your talent, you certainly don't need to envy others..."

Rosa ignored him and turned to Huyan Song, saying:

"If you want to keep Xia Chan, you have to keep Cheng Zhuo first. I asked him today, if you offer them an S-level contract, he'll be willing to sit down and talk; if not, let them go. Is it that hard to decide? You're always holding meetings. I don't know what the point is of bringing this whole group of people to this meeting?"

"Are you kidding me!"

As soon as she finished speaking, an uproar broke out around the conference table.

Having been left hanging by Cheng Zhuo and Xia Chan for a long time, everyone was already holding their breath. Now, upon hearing the words "S-level contract," they were filled with even more sneers.

"Winning the Best Newcomer award and acquiring a legendary meditation card makes him think he's qualified to sit at the table? Cheng Zhuo is truly laughable."

"Exactly! Greed knows no bounds; like a snake trying to swallow an elephant, aren't they afraid of being stuffed to death?"

"Using his woman as a bargaining chip, just wait and see. Once Xia Chan leaves him far behind in terms of cultivation, let's see if she'll still be with him!"

……

Just then.

The conference room door was slammed open.

The plump secretary rushed in, panting, her face trembling with fat, her voice shaking:

"Deputy Director! Outside! Someone outside is undergoing a second awakening! The signs are even stronger than those of a cicada!"