A Martial Saint Among Men: From Joining a Martial Arts School

Chapter 176 A Better Choice (Part 2)

"Song Chunxiao?"

Chu Xuan's body tensed up instinctively.

After killing Qin Chuan that day, he had already found out the identity of the True Essence expert who attacked him. It was the man in front of him, Song Chunxiao, the second younger brother of the Song family patriarch.

Song Chunxiao actually found this place!

Could it be that he has been discovered? Has the Song family already figured out his identity?

This was Chu Xuan's first thought.

However, remembering that this was the Xuan Yang Sect, he calmed down.

So what if they found out? This is the Xuan Yang Sect. Even if Song Chunxiao had a hundred times the courage, he wouldn't dare to lay a hand on me here!

Even if Song Chunxiao reports it to the Xuan Yang Sect, it doesn't matter!

Qin Chuan ambushed and tried to kill me first!

Furthermore, if he were to reveal his mastery of the Gang Jin cultivation level, he would definitely be able to rank in the top five on the Fengyun Ranking!

At worst, we can expose the Eight Desolate Prison Suppressing Force again!

He refused to believe that the Xuan Yang Sect would make things difficult for him, a "genius," for the sake of a dead and unjustly ranked seventh on the Fengyun Ranking.

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After figuring all this out, Chu Xuan calmed down and silently looked at Song Chunxiao.

"Hehe, Young Master Chu, please don't misunderstand!"

Song Chunxiao naturally noticed the momentary tension, but she didn't think it was because Chu Xuan felt guilty. Instead, she assumed that Chu Xuan had a conflict with Qin Chuan at the auction and thought he had come to confront him.

"I'm not here to interrogate you. The misunderstanding between you and Qin Chuan at the auction is your personal matter and has nothing to do with the Song family. Besides, Qin Chuan is now dead, and debts are settled with him. My Song family will not pursue anything further," Song Chunxiao explained.

A misunderstanding at the auction?

Chu Xuan grasped the key information in an instant.

It seems the Song family didn't find anything out.

Chu Xuan's face immediately showed a relieved expression, and he smiled and cupped his hands, saying, "So it's Second Master Song. May I ask what business you have with me?"

"Hehe, young friend Chu, would you please invite me in for a seat?" Song Chunxiao asked with a smile.

"Please forgive my intrusion, please come in!"

Chu Xuan quickly invited the other party inside.

Although we don't yet know what Song Chunxiao is up to, judging from his attitude, it shouldn't be a bad thing.

After welcoming Song Chunxiao into the room, Chu Xuan personally poured her tea.

Song Chunxiao didn't rush to explain her purpose. Instead, she smiled and looked around Chu Xuan's residence, shaking her head and sighing, "Young Master Chu is supposed to be the ninth-ranked genius on the Wind and Cloud Ranking, yet he lives in such a humble place. It's truly a disgrace!"

"Second Master Song, you're too kind. I'm just from a humble background, and I'm already very satisfied to have such a place to stay at the Xuan Yang Sect."

Chu Xuan said with a smile.

"No, no, no, with young friend Chu's talent, there should actually be a better choice!" Song Chunxiao shook his head and said.

A better option?

Chu Xuan was slightly taken aback, but he vaguely guessed the other party's intentions!

Is this guy trying to win me over?

You should know that Qin Chuan, the son-in-law of the Song family, died in—

Oh, he didn't know!

That's all!

Chu Xuan feigned confusion and asked, "What does Second Master Song mean—?"

"Hehe!" Song Chunxiao smiled faintly, "Young friend Chu must already understand! But since we've come this far, I'll be frank!"

Qin Chuan is dead; young friend Chu already knew this. To be frank, our Song family wants to find another genius to cultivate!

As far as I know, young friend Chu, you don't seem to have any cooperation with any forces yet. If you agree, our Song family is willing to devote all our resources to nurturing you, treating you the same as Qin Chuan!

"Young friend Chu, although you are currently ninth on the popularity rankings, with the full support of our Song family, you may well have a chance to catch up with Qin Chuan in the future!"

Chu Xuan was utterly speechless.

They really came to win me over.

I wonder how the Song family will react if they find out that Qin Chuan died at their hands.

Seeing that Chu Xuan did not answer, Song Chunxiao continued, "Of course, the benefits of joining my Song family go far beyond just resources!"

You'll also have a powerful backer! Furthermore, my Song family's ancestor has a close relationship with Elder Chunyang of the Xuan Yang Sect; he previously secured a disciple spot for Qin Chuan. If you agree, all of this is yours!

The conditions are great!

Chu Xuan was somewhat tempted.

Unfortunately, he can't join the Song family!

Chu Xuan said with a regretful expression, "I'm sorry, Second Master Song! The Song family offered me very generous terms, but unfortunately, I have already reached a cooperation agreement with the Liu family. I'm afraid I can only disappoint Second Master Song's kindness."

"The Liu family?"

Song Chunxiao chuckled and said, "Young friend Chu, the Liu family is only a second-rate power in Lingxiao City! You should understand the difference between a second-rate power and a first-rate power."

Moreover, young friend, you probably don't know this yet, but the Liu family's Core Formation Ancestor is already in his twilight years and has at most a dozen or so years left to live!

To put it bluntly, once the Liu family's Core Formation Ancestor perishes, the Liu family itself will be in dire straits, let alone you. Aside from providing you with some resources, the Liu family can offer you no other help!

Chu Xuan was taken aback.

No wonder Liu Donglin offered him such lenient terms.

The situation of the Liu family patriarch was indeed more serious than Liu Donglin had said; he didn't have another twenty or thirty years to live, but only a dozen or so years left.

When that time comes, even if the Liu family doesn't give you their resources, they probably won't be able to hold on. It would be better to gamble everything on yourself and maybe you can still find a way out.

Chu Xuan didn't speak, but looked towards the door.

Liu Chengzhi had already appeared at the doorway, his face pale and his fists clenched tightly, as if he wanted to rush up.

Clearly, he had also heard what Song Chunxiao said!

"Hehe~"

Song Chunxiao glanced at Liu Chengzhi and then looked away.

He had naturally noticed Liu Chengzhi's arrival long ago, and his words just now were also meant for Liu Chengzhi's ears.

Given the Liu family's current situation, what if the Song family wanted to snatch the geniuses they were sponsoring? Would they dare refuse?

Just as Chu Xuan was about to speak, Song Chunxiao shook his head and said, "Young friend Chu, there's no need to rush into a decision. You can think about it carefully."

A wise bird chooses its tree carefully; I believe young friend Chu will make the right choice!

After saying that, he smiled faintly, stood up, and walked outside.

As for the teacup on the table, it was never touched.

As Song Chunxiao passed by Liu Chengzhi, she smiled and nodded at him, then turned and left without saying anything more.

Liu Chengzhi nodded stiffly in response, but felt a bitter taste in his mouth.

If their ancestor were still at his peak, so what if they were a second-rate power? Not to mention Song Chunxiao, even Song Chengfeng wouldn't dare to ride roughshod over the Liu family.

Unfortunately, circumstances are beyond our control!

The Liu family is already in decline, while the Song family is at its peak!

There's no comparison at all!

"Senior Brother Liu, since you're here, why don't you come in?" Chu Xuan asked with a smile.

Liu Chengzhi took a deep breath before stepping in, forcing a smile as he said, "Junior Brother Chu, you don't need to be in a difficult position! Song Chunxiao is right, a wise bird chooses a good tree to perch on! My Liu family's situation—sigh—"

Chu Xuan smiled and said, "But I didn't intend to agree to his request!"

"Junior Brother Chu, you really should agree to him. Even if it were me, I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to resist—huh? What did you say?" Liu Chengzhi was talking to himself, but he suddenly froze halfway through his sentence.

He stared at Chu Xuan in disbelief: "Junior brother, what did you just say?"

"I said, I have no intention of agreeing to his request!" Chu Xuan said.

Liu Chengzhi froze on the spot. After a moment, he took a deep breath and said, "Junior brother, you should agree to him! What Song Chunxiao just said is true. Right now, my Liu family can only provide you with some resources, nothing else. On the contrary, the Song family can help you go further."

If you're hesitant because you're embarrassed, or feel it's bad for your reputation, I can talk to my uncle and ask him to terminate the cooperation with you. That way, you won't have any burdens.

Chu Xuan shook his head and said, "There's no need! My rejection of the Song family isn't because of those things."

How much is face worth?

"Why is that?" Liu Chengzhi asked, puzzled. "I heard the conditions Song Chunxiao offered you. To put it bluntly, they're already very good! Even geniuses ranked above you probably wouldn't receive this kind of treatment."

Chu Xuan shook his head and said, "Although the offer made by Song Chunxiao is tempting, there are probably some restrictions that haven't been mentioned. For example, she must marry a woman from the Song family."

Liu Chengzhi was taken aback, then nodded and said, "Of course! In fact, it's not just the Song family, all the major families are in the same boat."

If you don't form a marriage alliance or marry their women, you will always be an outsider to them.

They also worried that their resources would be wasted. Therefore, only through marriage, ideally resulting in offspring, could they be considered one of their own and secure their full support!

"That's it!" Chu Xuan said. "I have no plans to get married for the time being, nor do I want my marriage to become a tool for personal gain!"

Liu Chengzhi was speechless.

That's it?

Even if you don't want to get married for the time being, you can take a non-direct descendant of the Song family as a concubine!

Many geniuses in the Xuan Yang Sect are like this: they dislike being bound by arranged marriages but still want to receive resources from powerful forces for training, so they choose this compromise.

People like Qin Chuan are actually in the minority.

Of course, the latter will also receive more resources.

"Of course, there's one more thing, and that's the most important!"

Chu Xuan continued, "That's because the Song family is too cold-hearted! Qin Chuan has only been dead for a few days, yet the Song family isn't thinking about avenging him, but is already impatiently looking for a new partner, even approaching me, someone who used to be at odds with Qin Chuan. How can I feel comfortable cooperating with the Song family with such behavior?"

If one day I were to have an accident or be seriously injured, would the Song family immediately abandon me and cooperate with others instead?

What's the point of such cooperation?

Liu Chengzhi listened in silence.

Actually, this is a common problem in large families.

Not to mention the Song family, the Liu family is the same. If something really happens to Chu Xuan, or he becomes crippled, the Liu family will probably cut off their support for him.

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore."

Chu Xuan waved his hand and said, "Senior Brother Liu, is there something you need from me?"

Liu Chengzhi then remembered and said, "I'm here to congratulate you. Qin Chuan is dead, and you've successfully risen to eighth place on the popularity rankings. My uncle thinks that our Liu family's support for you should also be increased. Double it from the current level. What do you think?"

Chu Xuan raised an eyebrow.

There are actually benefits to this?

Previously, the Liu family's subsidy was five Nine-Turn True Essence Pills per month, but now it has been increased to ten.

In this way, he basically has enough pills for his monthly cultivation.

However, he could also see that Liu Chengzhi was not being sincere.

His rise in the popularity rankings is probably just a pretext; the real reason is that the Liu family's situation has worsened, which is why they have increased their financial support for him.

In any case, this is a good thing for him.

"Then thank you very much, Uncle Liu and Senior Brother Liu," Chu Xuan said with a smile.

The two chatted for a few more minutes, mainly about the recent events involving the Blood God Cult.

When this topic was brought up, Liu Chengzhi's expression became more serious. He reminded Chu Xuan not to go down the mountain recently, as the Blood God Sect had gone mad and was hunting Xuan Yang Sect disciples like crazy.

The two sides have been clashing openly and covertly. According to Liu Donglin's guess, the Xuan Yang Sect is probably planning something big recently, so he should be careful.

After finishing their business, Liu Chengzhi took Chu Xuan to a restaurant in Yunqiping for drinks.

Although Yunqi Ping is only a place for outer sect disciples to live, it has all kinds of commercial facilities, including many restaurants. The dishes there are all made primarily with exotic beast meat, which are not only delicious but also highly nutritious.

Of course, it is really expensive.

A single meal can earn you at least several dozen contribution points.

Chu Xuan used to be broke and couldn't afford to eat that.

Later, when he went to the Beast Garden, he no longer lacked exotic animal meat, so he no longer found it special and rarely came there anymore.

Liu Chengzhi was clearly in a good mood, having long since lost his previous gloom, and pulled Chu Xuan to the most upscale Guihong Tower.

With no VIP boxes available, the two simply chose a spot in the lobby on the first floor.

Liu Chengzhi was very extravagant, ordering more than a dozen portions of exotic beast meat and a bottle of century-old aged wine.

Chu Xuan sighed in amazement. Just this one meal would cost several hundred contribution points, something only a wealthy disciple like Liu Chengzhi could afford.

After the food and wine were served, Liu Chengzhi immediately raised his glass and said, "Come, Junior Brother Chu, this toast is for you. Congratulations on ranking eighth on the Popularity Ranking!"

Chu Xuan didn't stand on ceremony and drank it all with him in one gulp.

Meanwhile, on the second floor, in a VIP seat.

Song Chunxiao was sitting opposite a young man when her gaze swept over Chu Xuan and Liu Chengzhi on the first floor, and she couldn't help but be slightly taken aback.

Chu Xuan also saw Song Chunxiao and nodded in acknowledgment.

When she saw the man sitting opposite Song Chunxiao, she showed a slight look of surprise.

Lu Changge!

He was the first among their new disciples, but he was later surpassed!

It seems that the Song family is not as sincere as Song Chunxiao claimed.

Song Chunxiao smiled faintly, then withdrew her gaze.

"Second Master Song, what's wrong?" Lu Changge asked in surprise.

His gaze swept over Chu Xuan, who was sitting opposite Liu Chengzhi, and his smile froze, becoming somewhat unnatural.

"It's nothing!"

Song Chunxiao withdrew his gaze and said calmly, "Changge, you now understand the sincerity of my Song family. In addition, I can add one more condition: as long as you can enter the top ten of the Wind and Cloud Ranking, my Song family can allow you to become a disciple of Elder Chunyang!"

"Elder Chunyang? Second Master Song, are you telling the truth?"

Lu Changge's face immediately lit up with excitement.

Song Chunxiao continued, "Of course! I know you've already reached a cooperation agreement with the second-rate Qin family. If you're willing, my Song family can mediate on your behalf. As for the compensation to the Qin family, my Song family will also take care of it, ensuring you don't bear the brunt of the criticism!"

"I do!"

Lu Changge nodded immediately.

"good!"

A smile finally appeared on Song Chunxiao's face, but when she glanced at Chu Xuan out of the corner of her eye, a murderous glint appeared in her eyes.

This ungrateful wretch actually rejected him and instead chose the declining Liu family.

Short-sighted!

"You know that person, right?"

Song Chunxiao pointed at Chu Xuan and said.

Lu Changge nodded.

Song Chunxiao said calmly, "From now on, my Song family will do everything in our power to nurture you! Your first challenge will be him! If you have the chance, cripple him!"

Since it can't be used for my own purposes, then let's destroy it!

Lu Changge's gaze sharpened instantly, then he nodded solemnly: "I will!"

the other side.

"Um?

'

Chu Xuan's expression shifted slightly as he clearly sensed the hostility emanating from Lu Changge, which even carried a faint hint of killing intent.

Clearly, Song Chunxiao said something that made him hostile towards him.

However, Chu Xuan didn't pay much attention to it.

No matter how much Song Chunxiao tries to sow discord, if Lu Changge dares to harbor ill intentions towards him, he wouldn't mind sending her to be paired with Qin Chuan.

"Junior Brother Chu, what's wrong?" Liu Chengzhi asked in surprise.

"It's nothing."

Chu Xuan smiled and shook his head.

The two quickly finished their meal and went their separate ways.

Chu Xuan returned to Beast Garden No. 9, but when he passed by the house he had rented before, he was taken aback.

Lights were on in the neighboring yard.

That was the courtyard where Lu Xiaoshuang and Lin Chong rented.

Chu Xuan walked to the door and saw Lu Xiaoshuang sitting in the courtyard, with a stack of dried meat and a bowl of cold water on the low table in front of her.

Lu Xiaoshuang was nibbling on the jerky, as if she wanted to fill her stomach with all the energy she could absorb.

Chu Xuan had no intention of disturbing her, but when he turned to the side, he noticed that Lu Xiaoshuang's breathing was somewhat weak and her face was pale.

On the left side of his face was a sword wound, which added a touch of fierceness to his originally heroic face.

"Is Senior Sister injured?"

Chu Xuan walked in and asked.

Clang!

The moment Chu Xuan spoke, Lu Xiaoshuang instinctively drew her sword. She only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it was Chu Xuan.

"Junior brother, what brings you to Yunxi Ping?" Lu Xiaoshuang asked in surprise.

"I was having dinner with a senior classmate when I happened to pass by —"

Chu Xuan gave a brief explanation, and then looked at the wound on her face.

Lu Xiaoshuang smiled faintly and said, "It's nothing, just a minor injury. I'll be fine in a few days and get used to it."

As she spoke, she waved the dried meat in her hand: "Want some more?"

Chu Xuan shook his head and said, "Senior Sister, there's no need to work so hard. If you'd like, you can go to the Hundred Beasts Garden; I can arrange a supervisor position for you."

"Thank you for your kindness, junior brother."

Lu Xiaoshuang shook her head. "My talent is limited. If I don't give it my all now, once my qi and blood decline, I'm afraid I'll never have a chance to break through to the Gang Jin realm in this lifetime!"

Chu Xuan nodded and didn't try to persuade him any further.

Everyone has their own path.

If he were Lu Xiaoshuang, he might have made the same choice.

"If you need any help, Senior Sister, you can come to the Hundred Beasts Garden to find me," Chu Xuan said.

"Don't worry! If you really need it, I won't hesitate to ask."

Lu Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "I forgot to congratulate you. You're eighth on the popularity chart! Amazing! If my father knew about your achievement, he'd probably be astonished."

"Just luck!"

Chu Xuan smiled faintly.

"Oh, by the way, there's something I want to give you. I hope it will be helpful."

As Lu Xiaoshuang spoke, she suddenly got up and went back into the house.

Chu Xuan sat on the stool, thought for a moment, and finally placed the Heavenly Essence Pill on the table, preparing to hand it over to Lu Xiaoshuang.

There's no rush with Chu He.

Once she arrives at the Xuan Yang Sect, I can simply hunt down another five-times-molted golden toad myself.

On the contrary, if Lu Xiaoshuang had the help of the Heavenly Essence Pill, her cultivation path would be much smoother in the future.

Otherwise, if we keep pushing ourselves like this, we might end up failing!

Although they weren't particularly close as fellow disciples, they were still classmates. Besides, he had promised Lu Tong to take care of her.

Just as Chu Xuan put down the porcelain bottle, Lu Xiaoshuang returned, now holding a cold jade box.

"Here you go, see if it's useful!" Lu Xiaoshuang handed the box to Chu Xuan.

Chu Xuan took the cold jade box with some doubt and saw a fruit about the size of a longan inside. The fruit skin was greenish-blue and had a faint fragrance of herbs.

When you bring your nose close, a light and delicate fruity fragrance gently spreads out, neither strong nor overpowering, but refreshing and mellow.

Chu Xuan felt all his fatigue and restlessness dissipate, leaving only a peaceful and soothing warmth that permeated his lungs and calmed his mind.

"This is----"

Chu Xuan's eyes widened immediately, and he blurted out, "Qingyuan Fruit!"

His face was filled with disbelief.

Qingyuan fruit is one of the precious medicines that can improve one's physical and mental health.

Legend has it that it grows in deep mountain valleys, places rich in spiritual energy, and has extremely demanding growing conditions. Its growth cycle is even more terrifying: it takes a hundred years to sprout new branches, three hundred years to flower, and five hundred years to bear fruit.

This is a precious medicine that is countless times more valuable than the Marrow Cleansing Lotus and the Heavenly Essence Pill in his hand!

Because it is effective for all nine types of bone structures!

"So you do know him!"

Lu Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "Judging from your expression, it seems to be useful to you. Take it!"

"Senior sister, this is too precious!" Chu Xuan shook his head and returned the cold jade box.

This Qingyuan Fruit can already be considered a rare treasure of heaven and earth!

Not to mention him, Lu Xiaoshuang herself desperately needs it.

Lu Xiaoshuang shook her head and said, "My physical constitution is average. Even if I eat this Qingyuan Fruit, it will only improve my physical constitution by one level, which won't have much effect. I might as well give it to you; it might allow you to go further."

Chu Xuan shook his head.

That's not how it works.

"Even if you don't eat it, you can still offer it to the sect! This Azure Origin Fruit would probably tempt even the inner sect elders, and they might even take you as their disciple!" Chu Xuan said.

"So what?"

Lu Xiaoshuang laughed and said, "Even if I become an elder disciple and enter the inner sect, my future end will only be at the Gang Jin level, and I will only have the title of elder disciple!"

"If I gave it to you, Junior Brother, and then you helped me after you entered the inner sect, wouldn't the result be the same? Perhaps I'd gain even more!"

Chu Xuan was speechless.

It makes sense!

"Alright, stop being so wishy-washy! I'm your senior sister, after all. It's only right that I share the benefits with my own people!" Lu Xiaoshuang said.

Chu Xuan took a deep breath and finally nodded, saying, "Thank you, Senior Sister, I'll accept it! However, you must also accept this!"

As he spoke, he pushed the porcelain vase on the table.

"What is this?"

"Heavenly Essence Pill!"

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