In this chaotic world of martial arts, I'll become a god by adding skill points!

next day

A band playing gongs and drums appeared in Wangjiawan.

This was not arranged by Wang Anping, Chen's Martial Arts School, or the county.

This was arranged by the wealthy old man from Erdao Township. Yesterday, his second son went to the county to watch the competition. After seeing Wang Anping win first place, he took his men home and told his father about it.

The world has been in chaos lately. Although many people in their family have gone to martial arts schools to learn martial arts, their talent is average, and after so many years they have only reached the Ming Jin level.

That Ming Jin is his father, while he himself is only at the entry level and doesn't know when he will be able to break through.

In these chaotic times, the emergence of talented individuals from Wangjiawan is a blessing for Erdao Township.

So in order to win them over, the Ren family, a well-known family in Erdao Township, specially staged this event today.

With gongs and drums, they carried gold, silver, furniture, and two old sows toward Wang Anping's house.

Inside the house, Wang Xiaoquan and Zhang Xiufen stared blankly at everything. They were a little dazed and hadn't yet realized that their son had done well. When they saw someone bringing things in, they didn't stop them for a moment.

Instead, it was Old Master Wang who, leaning on a cane, walked into Wang Anping's courtyard. Looking at the procession of gift-givers, he stopped them, saying, "What do you mean by this? Our Wang family doesn't accept things of dubious origin."

"This must be Old Master Wang. I am the eldest son of the Ren family in the village. My name is Ren Zhishu."

Your son, Wang Anping, won first place in the county competition and is destined for great things. Considering the current chaotic situation, he came specifically to make friends with you so we can help each other in the future.

Ren Zhishu was the man who returned from the county town yesterday. He had attended a private school for two years, but he hadn't read many books and spoke rather bluntly.

Upon hearing this, Old Master Wang narrowed his eyes slightly: "Want to make friends? Fine, but Anping has to be the one to decide. Otherwise, we can't accept this gift. Please trouble Young Master Ren to have someone take it out."

"Yes, yes, please take it out first. We can talk about it when my son comes back."

There was a commotion outside, with gongs and drums being played, and the neighbors all gathered around.

They gathered outside, chattering amongst themselves, and it was easy to see the envy in their voices.

The Wang family has truly taken off!

"Well... Brother Wang is probably not coming back from the county town anytime soon. These gifts aren't worth much, they're just a token of our appreciation, so please accept them." Ren Zhishu was unwilling to give up; if he took the gifts back, it would be difficult to return them.

This time is different from the last time the two Wang brothers got married. That was a joyous occasion, and there was no question of who owed whom anything.

But the situation is different now. Taking it is a favor. Even if it can save a life, it's like making a friend.

"I'm back!" Wang Anping pushed through the crowd and walked over. He looked happily at his parents and grandfather and called out.

Zhang Cheng and his son Zhang Dacai followed behind him.

"Anping is back!" Old Master Wang smiled.

"My son, you've lost weight again." His mother came over and touched his face, her eyes filled with longing.

"It's good that you're back. Son, what do you think of this gift?" Wang Xiaoquan was also very happy.

Wang Anping's gaze swept over the gifts in the courtyard—two boxes of silver dollars were neatly stacked, several sets of pear wood furniture gleamed softly, and two old sows were tied to the corner of the wall with ropes, grunting and rooting in the dirt.

The servants behind Ren Zhishu were carrying several bolts of silk, all of which were truly generous gifts.

He stepped forward, cupped his hands in greeting to Ren Zhishu, and said, "Young Master Ren, you've gone to great lengths, but I cannot accept these gifts without having done so."

Ren Zhishu's smile froze, and he quickly said, "Brother Wang, what are you saying! Your winning first place in the martial arts exam is an honor for our Erdao Township. This small gift is just a token of our appreciation from our fellow villagers."

Besides, the world is not at peace these days. Although my Ren family has some wealth, we lack substantial military strength. In the future, we may have to rely on your brother's help."

The intention to win them over was obvious from their words.

Old Master Wang stroked his beard beside him, and seeing Wang Anping's resolute attitude, he chimed in:

"We appreciate Young Master Ren's kindness, but Anping has never been one to indulge in such favors."

If you truly wish to befriend him, once he returns from the martial arts examination, our two families can host a small gathering for a few drinks. Please take these items with you.

Seeing this, Ren Zhishu knew that it would be pointless to insist any further, so he could only sigh and say, "Since Master Wang and Brother Wang are so determined, then I will not force them."

These bolts of silk are for my aunt and all the other women; it's just a small token of my filial piety, so please accept them.

As he spoke, he gestured for the servant to hand over the silk.

Wang Anping glanced at the delight in his mother Zhang Xiufen's eyes, and then thought that the silk wasn't worth much money, so refusing again would seem too distant. He nodded and agreed, "Then I will thank Young Master Ren on behalf of my family."

Ren Zhishu breathed a sigh of relief, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and told Wang Anping that he could come to Erdao Township to find him if he needed anything. Then he left with his servants carrying the gifts.

The onlookers gradually dispersed when the excitement died down, muttering that the Wang family had produced a fine son who would surely rise to prominence in the future.

Zhang Cheng described Wang Anping's performance on the ring, making each of the matches sound thrilling, which made everyone's eyes widen.

Finally, Zhang Da patted his head, exchanged a few pleasantries with the Wang family, and hurried home. As he left, Zhang Xiufen insisted on giving him some of the silk.

The courtyard finally quieted down. Zhang Xiufen touched the silk with a smile on her face: "This material is so soft. Give some to your aunts too, and we can make a few new clothes for them."

Wang Xiaoquan frowned: "Anping, you've just become famous in the county, and people are already coming to your door with gifts. I'm afraid you'll be in for a lot of trouble from now on."

"Don't worry, Father, I know what I'm doing." Wang Anping pulled his family aside, his gaze sweeping over his grandfather, parents, and the two families of his eldest and second uncles, and said in a deep voice:

"This time I'm determined to bring you to live in the county town. I bought a house in the south of the town, a detached house, which is safer than here and makes it easier for me to take care of you."

There have been more bandits lately, and I've heard that many places nearby have suffered disasters. No matter what, you must come with me to the county this time.

The courtyard fell silent instantly upon hearing this.

Uncle Wang Xiaoshan frowned first, rubbing the calluses on his hands, and said, "Anping, it's not that your uncle doesn't want to go, but these few acres of land are the roots of our Wang family! We've farmed them all our lives, it would be a waste to leave them lying fallow. Besides, your second brother and I only know how to farm, we wouldn't feel at ease staying in the county town."

Second Uncle Wang Xiaoshui quickly chimed in, while Second Aunt beside him added, "Yes, Anping, it's expensive in the city. We farmers can't make a living there. It's better to stay and guard the land. If all else fails, we'll stay and watch the land. You can take your parents and grandfather to the county town."

The eldest uncle's son and the second uncle's son nodded in agreement. They didn't want to give up their homeland, and they were too embarrassed to go to the city, so they relied entirely on Wang Anping for help.

Zhang Xiufen also hesitated: "Son, what your second uncle said makes sense. If this land is left uncultivated, we won't be able to farm it next year."

Wang Xiumin leaned on his cane, his face grave, clearly weighing his options—the land was the foundation of a farming family, but his grandson's wishes and safety were also of paramount importance.

Wang Anping's tone suddenly hardened, leaving no room for negotiation: "Uncle, Second Uncle, I know you're reluctant to give up the land, but the world is in such chaos these days. Wangjiawan is remote; if bandits or marauding soldiers come, not only will our land be at risk, but our entire family's lives will be in danger!"

He stepped forward, looking at everyone with a firm gaze: "I've already figured out the arrangements for the land. I'll find the village head, get a written agreement, and collect 20% rent every year. That way, we won't have to worry about it, and the land will never be left to lie fallow."

Many families in the village don't have land, but they'll definitely be able to cultivate it well. We can come back when things are more stable in the future.