From slave trader to the Immortal Lord of Ten Thousand Laws

At this point, Xu Qingyue's eyes flickered, and she glanced happily at Jiang She standing by the door, smiling as she said:

"Young Master Jiang, my family has a boxing manual. I would like you to choose one and teach it to the guards in the courtyard."

"Oh? A boxing manual?"

Just then, a loud laugh suddenly rang out from outside the courtyard.

The laughter was like thunder, shaking the windows and doors, making them rattle and creak.

Xu Qingyue and Xu Ningyuan were both startled. They looked in the direction of the sound and saw a tall, imposing figure standing outside the hanging flower gate.

The man strode forward, creating a gust of wind, and stepped across the threshold to stand shoulder to shoulder with Jiang She.

The man had broad, sculpted shoulders and was over eight feet tall. With each step, his robe sleeves fluttered slightly, and a faint sound of clashing metal could be heard.

It was none other than Chen Kun, the Thunderbolt!

"So it's Lord Chen who's back."

Xu Ningyuan chuckled, looking at the man's golden robes and the even more concentrated aura around him, and his expression faltered slightly.

Then he laughed and said:

"It has been a month since I last saw you, and I never expected that Master Chen has already risen to the fifth rank and become a grandmaster. I have been negligent."

"Guards! Prepare a feast immediately!"

He trains his muscles, bones, and skin externally, and cultivates his liver, gallbladder, and qi internally. At the fifth rank of martial arts, his qi is contained and not released. After refining his blood at the sixth rank, his internal organs undergo a transformation like a dragon. He can condense the courage of a hero and possess the power to shatter mountains with a single punch. He is already a rare martial arts master in the world.

...

Fifth rank?

Hearing Xu Ningyuan's words, Jiang She was slightly taken aback, and his gaze involuntarily turned to the person beside him.

But then they saw that the opponent had a combat strength indicator above their head—"51".

51?

This is no lower than Madam Xu's!

Jiang She roughly estimated: "It seems that, in detail, a value between 10 and 15 is the ninth rank, 16 to 20 is the eighth rank, the seventh rank has a larger difference, with a value between 21 and 30, the sixth rank is 31 to 40, and the fifth rank is 51 to 60."

As he pondered this, he heard the man chuckle twice:

"Haha! There's no need for a banquet."

Chen Kun waved his hand, casually glancing around as if he hadn't seen Jiang Sheren. He cupped his hands in greeting and said in a boisterous manner, "Second Master, Miss, I am honored by your kindness in being appointed as your head instructor, in charge of all the training of the guards in the courtyard. I wonder if this matter is still valid?"

Xu Ningyuan nodded: "That certainly counts."

"If that's the case, why bring in outsiders to train the guards?" Chen Kun's tone suddenly changed, and he glared fiercely at Jiang She.

Xu Ningyuan was taken aback by his words.

Xu Qingyue, however, had anticipated this, and simply chuckled:

"Instructor Chen is absolutely right. Since you have hired him to lead the training of the guards, this authority should naturally belong to Instructor Chen."

"However..."

She paused slightly, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes darting between Chen Kun and Jiang She, before softly saying:

"However, a month ago, Instructor Chen was ordered to escort a shipment on a long journey, and his return date is uncertain. The guards, on the other hand, need to practice every day. There is no reason for them to be lax and neglect their martial arts skills just because the instructor is away. Therefore, after weighing the options, we have no choice but to select another capable person to train and perform duties as the instructor."

Xu Qingyue spoke calmly, but her reasoning was watertight. In just a few words, she casually categorized Jiang She's temporary appointment as "temporarily handling general affairs."

"A capable person?"

Upon hearing this word, Chen Kun abruptly turned his head, looked down at Jiang She with disdain, and said, "Could it be that the capable person Miss is referring to is this young master?"

Chen Kun was quite famous in the martial arts world. Even though he only held a nominal position in the Xu family, he could still receive three hundred taels of silver every month. As the saying goes, "the poor study literature and the rich study martial arts." Practicing martial arts was expensive, and this money was practically free for him, so Chen Kun was naturally delighted.

However, upon returning from escorting the goods, he discovered that the Xu family had somehow found a new instructor. He feared that this person had taken over his position as instructor and naturally regarded him as a villain who was blocking his path to wealth.

Having examined this person and observed his aura, he simply smiled and said:

"I, Chen, have traveled far and wide, and met heroes from all over the world. Even a novice in the martial arts world who hasn't yet reached the ranks of the elite must have some courage and strength to dare to call himself a martial artist. But this fellow..."

He glared angrily at Jiang She, his tone suddenly turning fierce:

"He's weak as a chicken, has no footing, and hasn't even reached the highest level. He may have plenty of energy, but he's just a hot-blooded young man. How can he possibly teach martial arts?"

"Miss, how can someone who can't even protect himself be called a 'capable person'? And how can he take over my duties and train the Xu family's elite guards?!"

At this point, he abruptly stopped speaking, but his voice still resonated, causing the atmosphere in the study to momentarily freeze.

Needless to say, his words were aggressive and pointed directly at Xu Qingyue's mistake in choosing personnel.

Xu Qingyue felt that this person was being utterly unreasonable. Although her eyebrows were arched like crescent moons, she still suppressed her displeasure and said:

"Instructor Chen's words are somewhat biased. How can one judge a person's ability solely based on their fighting skills?"

Chen Kun was slightly displeased upon hearing this, and said coldly, "Does Miss look down on those of us who practice martial arts?"

"Instructor Chen is mistaken."

Xu Qingyue shook her head slightly and said softly:

"Everyone in the world has their own strengths. Young Master Jiang took over the position of instructor, and in just a few days, he managed all the affairs in an orderly manner. Such composure, meticulousness and ability to manage affairs can certainly be called a capable person."

Chen Kun, however, held her words in contempt:

"What you're saying, Miss, is nothing more than the work of an accountant or steward. For us martial artists, the foundation of our livelihood ultimately lies in who has the stronger fist. What are a few clerical skills or the ability to manage general affairs worth? Wouldn't it be shameful for a martial artist to listen to such teachings?"

"Besides..." he changed the subject, a confident smile curving his lips, his eyes gleaming as he said:

"Before escorting the goods, Chen taught Li Nian a set of boxing techniques and instructed him to select people to practice and supervise the training. Although Li Nian was young, he was a rough diamond in the rough and hardworking. Now that more than a month has passed, the people he trained must have already mastered the set of boxing techniques to a certain extent."

"This is the proper way for Chen Kun's lineage to teach martial arts. How can it be compared to just finding some 'good at managing affairs' person to give random pointers for a month or so?!"

Xu Qingyue smiled and said, "Instructor Chen, you may not know this, but a few days ago, there was a small competition in the courtyard. It was Jiang She's instructor who defeated the guards trained by Li Nian."

"W-what?!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Kun's expression froze.

He glanced at the frail-looking Jiang She beside him and frowned, saying, "Miss, are you perhaps toying with me?"

Xu Qingyue shook her head: "Of course not."

"hiss...."

Chen Kun couldn't help but gasp, his eyes gleaming as he glanced sideways at Jiang She for a moment, then asked in bewilderment:

"This fellow doesn't know martial arts, how can he teach others? Is it just his fate? Yes! That must be it!"

Thinking of this, Chen Kun's hostility intensified.

He least wanted to see someone with the qualities of a teacher at the Xu family's door, fearing that the Xu family would use him but not use him, so that he could no longer receive the Xu family's three hundred taels of silver every month for free.

"Miss."

Chen Kun's thick eyebrows furrowed as he stepped forward to advise, "This fellow is so weak he can't even kill a chicken. How can he possibly give advice to others? Could it be that he used some underhanded means to deceive Miss?"

Jiang She wanted to laugh when he heard this.

His words were exactly what Li Nian thought.

Xu Qingyue's expression remained calm, only her almond-shaped eyes beneath her willow-leaf eyebrows turned slightly cold: "Instructor Chen is overthinking it."

"I personally presided over that competition. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, how could I allow such dirty tricks to be used?"

"Whether Jiang She has deceived me or not, I know in my heart and mind, so there is no need for Instructor Chen to worry about it."

"Hmph! It's good that Miss knows what's going on!"

Chen Kun snorted coldly, then straightened his towering figure, clasped his hands in a salute to the void, and said in a deep voice:

"However, my words are not for personal gain! Miss, please do not forget that although I am not talented, I am one of the eight great镖师 (bodyguards/escorts) of Zhenyuan镖局 (escort agency). Your family and the agency have been friends for many years, with a reputation for integrity and unparalleled strength. I am honored that Miss and Second Master have chosen me for the position of instructor. This is not only because they value my meager skills, but also because they value Zhenyuan镖局 (escort agency)!"

His gaze swept over Xu Ningyuan and Xu Qingyue, and he said in a more serious tone:

"If you two insist on having this person, who has lost all his skills, live with me and jointly train the guards, I fear that if word gets out, it will cause much controversy in the martial arts world. At that time, where will the reputation of my Zhenyuan Escort Agency be?"

hiss....

Upon hearing his words, Xu Qingyue sensed a hint of coercion. Xu Ningyuan was also taken aback, not expecting this fellow to bring up the Zhenyuan Escort Agency.

The Xu family does indeed need the Zhenyuan Escort Agency to transport goods back and forth. If they were to fall out with them, it would be a loss that would not outweigh the gains.

She exchanged a glance with Xu Ningyuan beside her, and seeing her uncle nod slightly, she made up her mind. She then put on a polite smile again and said softly:

"What Instructor Chen said is indeed a mature and prudent opinion. My family has had a long-standing relationship with the Zhenyuan Escort Agency, and we have always enjoyed a pleasant stay together. We cherish this friendship very much. This kind of arguing is not a solution. Perhaps... Yue'er has a compromise plan that she can share with Instructor Chen?"

Chen Kun curled his lip: "I certainly agree."

Xu Qingyue nodded slightly, her gaze shifting between Chen Kun and Jiang She, and slowly said:

"My family happens to have a boxing manual with exquisite moves, but it is also difficult to master. I have always wanted to teach it to the guards, but no one has been able to do it. Now that you two are both virtuous and talented, why not give this boxing manual to you as your instructors?"

"Let's set a timeframe of three months. If Jiang She's teaching is indeed quite effective, it shows that he has unique insights into teaching methods and is worthy of being an assistant to the instructors in the academy. At that time, I hope that Instructor Chen will be fair and impartial and not hesitate to give his praise."

Upon hearing this suggestion, Chen Kun's anger subsided slightly, but he still revealed a hint of arrogance and caution befitting a martial artist.

He stroked his chin and pondered:

"To have two people teach on the same day and compare their results on the same day? This method... is indeed fair."

"However..." He changed the subject, his eyes fixed on Xu Qingyue, and said in a deep voice:

"Miss, let me be clear from the start. I have studied all of the 'Eight Great Styles' set by the imperial court for the martial arts examination, including Bajiquan, Xingyiquan, Tongbeiquan, and Changquan. Please don't use some common, low-quality stuff that will allow others to take advantage of you."

As he spoke, he glared fiercely at Jiang She, and it was obvious who he was referring to as "fishing in troubled waters."

Xu Qingyue smiled upon hearing this:

"Instructor Chen, you can rest assured. Yue'er is very discreet and will never do anything shoddy or disgrace you two."

She did not explicitly state that this was a Taoist cultivation technique passed down from her ancestors, but there was a fear that some people might have malicious intentions.

That would be best.

Chen Kun nodded.

Jiang She, who had been standing silently by the door as if he were an outsider, was actually having a lot of thoughts running through his mind.

A wise man conceals his talents and presents himself as dull.

He knew perfectly well that getting involved in this dispute was unwise, and seeing the conversation turning towards him, he quickly stepped forward, bowed deeply to the two people at the head of the table, and declined, saying:

"Miss, Second Master, this is absolutely unacceptable! It would be beneath my dignity! What merit do I possess to dare to teach boxing alongside Instructor Chen, a figure renowned throughout the martial arts world?"

He turned to Chen Kun, his tone becoming increasingly humble, showering him with compliments:

"Instructor Chen is one of the Eight Little Heroes of the Jianghu. His martial arts skills are on par with Huo Yuanhong, one of the top ten boxing champions in the world. He has traveled all over the country, escorting goods and protecting cargo. What storms haven't he weathered? What formidable characters hasn't he encountered? His martial arts skills have already reached their peak. Instructing mere guards is a piece of cake for him."

He paused, then said sparingly:

"I am but a lowly servant, fortunate enough to know a few words and have a rudimentary understanding of managing household affairs. Since this boxing manual is so precious, it should be personally studied and taught by a master like Instructor Chen, so as not to fail its true meaning, and also to allow the guards and protectors in my household to receive personal instruction from the master, so that their martial arts skills can improve by a fraction every day."

As he spoke, he bowed deeply to Chen Kun again.

As Chen Kun listened to Jiang She's series of compliments, the resentment he felt about the other party potentially threatening his position instantly melted away like ice and snow meeting the sun.

His expression brightened, and he burst into laughter that shook the rooftops. He then stretched out his large, fan-like hand and patted Jiang She's shoulder several times, laughing as he said:

"Hahaha! You're a smart kid!"

Chen Kun puffed out his chest, laughed heartily, his eyes filled with the comfort and smugness of being flattered: "Not bad! Since you have such self-awareness, I won't make things difficult for you."

As he spoke, he suddenly turned around, clasped his hands in a fist salute towards the person above him, and said:

"Miss, Second Master, since Brother Jiang has such awareness and is completely convinced of my abilities, then in my opinion, I should not shirk the responsibility of teaching the boxing manual and should take on this task myself!"

Seeing Chen Kun's earnest words and Jiang She's insistence on declining, Xu Qingyue knew that forcing the matter further might be detrimental to the Xu family. She exchanged a glance with Xu Ningyuan, and seeing her uncle nod in agreement, she went along with it, softly saying:

"Since Instructor Chen has taken on this responsibility, Yue'er and Uncle are naturally very pleased. And since Young Master Jiang is also very understanding and willing to assist, then this matter... shall be settled in this way."

"Qiao'er".

She called out softly.

"Go to the treasury immediately and retrieve that boxing manual."

Qiao'er, who was standing by the screen, quickly acknowledged and took her leave. Not long after, she presented a sandalwood box with both hands.

Xu Qingyue gestured to Qiao'er to hand the wooden box to Chen Kun.

She solemnly said, "This box contains the manual of the Rolled Fist. I hope the instructor will study it carefully and train the best talents for my family, so that they may become pillars of society."

Chen Kun took the wooden box with both hands, feeling its slight weight and its antique feel.

His face was solemn, and he solemnly declared:

"Rest assured, Miss! I will certainly not fail your trust!"

After saying this, he glanced smugly at Jiang She, who was still maintaining a humble demeanor beside him. The last trace of doubt in his heart completely vanished. He thought that the matter was settled and the instructor's salary of three hundred taels a month was still in his pocket.

He then bid farewell to Xu Qingyue and Xu Ningyuan, carrying the sandalwood box, and walked out of the courtyard with a swagger and head held high. He went straight to find Li Nian and a group of guards to begin his "authentic" teaching career.

With this matter settled, Jiang She must now take his leave.

He walked straight out of the mansion.

Today is the day he's supposed to meet with Ma Laosan. He's going to find that despicable poisoner!