Proving God begins with the principle that no effort is wasted.

The wood grain on the stake was soaked with sweat. Jiang Lan withdrew his fist, and slowly gathered his strength into his dantian.

He loosened his grip slightly, and before he could even move from the stake, the door to the martial arts school was gently pushed open.

The visitor was Song Kui.

He walked straight up to Jiang Lan, took out a folded, plain white invitation card from his pocket with his right hand, and handed it out flatly.

"Brother Jiang, Chief Huo has hosted a private banquet at Wangjiang Tower tonight and specifically asked me to invite you. Please do me the honor of attending!"

The postcard was of ordinary quality, without any gold foil embellishments or elaborate patterns. The edges were neatly trimmed, and the front only displayed a single line of thin, bold black characters:

At 5 PM, at the Listening to the Waves Pavilion of Wangjiang Tower, Huo Yuanlong.

Jiang Lan reached out and took the invitation. He flipped it over casually, and the back was spotless, without a single stain. It was excessively clean.

He looked up at Song Kui and asked, "What is it?"

"The leader didn't elaborate." Song Kui's expression remained unchanged. He paused for a moment, then lowered his voice and added, "But please rest assured, Brother Jiang, it's definitely not a bad thing."

Jiang Lan asked no more questions, tucked the invitation into the inside of her robe, and nodded slightly: "I understand, I will be there."

Seeing that he agreed, Song Kui didn't linger. He clasped his hands in a fist salute, turned around, and walked out of the martial arts school.

As the sun gradually set in the west, dusk, as dark as ink, slowly bathed the entire county town in its light.

Wangjianglou, located on the banks of the inner city river, is the most famous restaurant in the city.

The three-story wooden pavilion, with its upturned eaves pointing straight to the sky, has red lanterns hanging under the eaves that light up one after another, casting warm yellow light that cascades down and ripples on the shimmering river surface, making people dizzy.

Guests came and went in an endless stream, all of them wealthy people dressed in fine silks and satins, or leaders of martial arts factions. The servants bowed at the door to welcome and see off guests, their backs bent even lower than those of other servants, their faces plastered with just the right amount of flattery, while their eyes secretly sized up the status and rank of each guest.

Jiang Lan was still wearing the same faded gray shorts, with dust on the cuffs and coarse cloth shoes, looking completely out of place in the surrounding environment of fine clothes and fine garments.

He stepped into Wangjiang Tower. The servant at the door was taken aback at first, and glanced at him up and down. Seeing that he was dressed simply, he was about to be negligent, but remembering the instructions inside the tower, he immediately put on a smile and stepped forward.

"Sir, how many people are in your party? Do you have a reservation?"

"I've been invited to Tingtao Pavilion," Jiang Lan said calmly, without the slightest hint of unease.

The waiter's smile instantly changed, his back bent even deeper, and his tone became more respectful. He quickly stepped aside to lead the way: "So you are a distinguished guest of Tingtao Pavilion. I was blind to your greatness. This way, please. Take care."

The wooden stairs creaked softly underfoot, and the corridor was paved with bluestone slabs, with calligraphy and paintings hanging on both sides, creating an elegant atmosphere.

Tingtao Pavilion is located at the far end of the third floor. The wooden door is heavy with a rough texture, and the two large characters "Tingtao" are carved on the lintel with sharp strokes, revealing a bit of the fierce spirit of the martial arts world.

Jiang Lan raised her hand and pushed the door open. The wooden door opened and closed slowly without making a sound.

The interior was simply furnished, with a round pear wood table in the center. Huo Yuanlong sat in the main seat, dressed in a dark blue silk robe of fine material. His hair, which was usually loose, was tied up, and he exuded a more dignified aura as a gang leader than when he was on the martial arts arena.

A celadon teacup sat before him, the tea still warm, and Song Kui stood half a step to his side.

"You're here? Have a seat." Huo Yuanlong didn't get up, but simply raised his chin, gesturing for Jiang Lan to sit opposite him. His tone carried the casualness typical of someone in a superior position, but without the slightest hint of disdain.

Jiang Lan sat down as instructed, her back straight, her hands on her knees, remaining silent and still.

Four exquisite cold dishes were already laid out on the table, along with brand-new silver chopsticks, white porcelain bowls, and crystal wine glasses, all neatly arranged, clearly prepared especially for him.

Huo Yuanlong got straight to the point, saying, "The other day in the arena, you single-handedly broke the deadlock for my Cao Gang, protecting the face and territory of the Cao Gang."

"I, Huo Yuanlong, will remember this skill and this kindness."

"I invited you not because of winning or losing in the ring, but because I genuinely want to keep a skilled fighter like you and work together for the future."

Jiang Lan knew perfectly well that people in the martial arts world never invited others to banquets without a reason, nor did they make friends without a cause.

Especially for a gang leader like Huo Yuanlong, every move he makes is calculated and purposeful.

Huo Yuanlong turned his head and gave Song Kui a look.

Song Kui immediately understood, turned around and walked out of Tingtao Pavilion, his steps light and quick, and he returned in a short while.

Holding a large white porcelain plate in both hands, with a thick layer of crushed ice at the bottom, a chilling aura emanates from it.

In the center of the plate lay a live fish about a foot long. Its body was entirely silvery-white, without a single blemish. Its fine scales gleamed coldly under the light. Its gills were slightly open and closed, indicating that it was still alive, but was frozen in place by the icy air and could not move.

"This fish is called Jade Shuttle."

Huo Yuanlong pointed to the silver fish on the plate, "It is a specialty of the inner city's deep river. It takes three years to grow to maturity. It is in high demand but not available on the market. One fish is worth four hundred taels of silver."

"When ordinary martial artists consume it, their blood and energy can be invigorated for more than a month. It is also of great help in opening up the meridians and acupoints. It is a rare and precious natural treasure."

Jiang Lan raised her eyes and looked at the jade fish. Her gaze was calm, without any greed, and she did not pick up her chopsticks immediately.

Things that are unclear or unknown should not be eaten easily.

Huo Yuanlong watched this unfold, a faint smile playing on his lips. Without saying a word, he picked up the silver chopsticks in front of him, took a piece of tender fish, put it in his mouth, chewed slowly, and then swallowed it gracefully.

After doing all this, he finally looked up at Jiang Lan, his eyes open and honest.

Jiang Lan then picked up her silver chopsticks and took a small piece of fish into her mouth.

The fish melts in your mouth, leaving only a sweet taste. A warm current slides down your throat and falls straight into your dantian. Then, as if it explodes, it transforms into countless warm currents that rush through your body's meridians and spread to every part of your body.

His Baihui acupoint on the top of his head suddenly throbbed and pulsated, the energy surging wildly and powerfully at the acupoint. He closed his eyes for a moment, calmly circulating the meager internal energy within his body to forcefully suppress the surging medicinal power. He did not lose his composure on the spot, and his face remained calm and composed.

"How is it? It's good stuff, isn't it?"

Huo Yuanlong asked, his tone carrying a certainty.

"It is indeed a good product." Jiang Lan slowly opened her eyes and uttered five words.

He didn't eat much, but slowly picked up two more pieces of fish, chewed them carefully, and let the warm blood flow through his body, like a tide, washing over his meridians again and again.

He could clearly feel that the medicinal power of the jade fish was spontaneously gathering towards his acupoints, repeatedly surging against the acupoint gates, and without him actively stimulating it, it was tempering his meridians.

Huo Yuanlong put down his chopsticks, picked up the glass wine cup in front of him, took a sip of wine, and said, "Brother Jiang, the shares I promised you before are the reward you deserve."

"But I, Huo, always like to do things thoroughly. Besides making friends, I also have something I want to discuss with you today."

Jiang Lan raised her eyes, looking directly at Huo Yuanlong, waiting for him to continue.

"The Canal Gang is currently lacking a deputy leader."

"In this position, you don't need to manage the daily affairs of the gang or deal with internal disputes. You only need to lend a hand when the gang encounters danger and needs a master to step in."

"In addition to the previously agreed-upon share of the martial arts school, the deputy leader's monthly salary will be calculated separately, and you can freely use the resources within the gang."

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the pavilion suddenly froze.

Jiang Lan remained silent for a few moments.

Many thoughts flashed through my mind. Huo Yuanlong was a man of his word, and I had done him a favor in the arena incident. He was a trustworthy person.

Once you take on the position of deputy leader, it's no longer a loose relationship of holding shares; you've completely joined the Canal Gang and are now tied to the same boat. You'll share both glory and ruin, and there will be no way you can remain aloof from the future.

He has always preferred to work alone, dislikes being bound by the forces of the underworld, and has no desire to get involved in the endless conflicts between gangs.

"Chief Huo." Jiang Lan put down his silver chopsticks, his tone unwavering. "The shares you promised me before are enough for me. I'm naturally carefree and used to being unrestrained. I don't want to be bound by too much power. As it is now, I'm content with my freedom."

He refused decisively, without any hesitation.

Huo Yuanlong looked up at him, his eyes showing no disappointment, but rather a hint of appreciation.

Having spent many years in the underworld, he had seen far too many people who fawned over others for power and status. It was truly rare for Jiang Lan, at such a young age, to resist temptation and stay true to himself.

"In that case, let's drop the matter." Huo Yuanlong raised his wine glass, gesturing towards Jiang Lan, his tone frank. "Today, we'll only discuss our friendship, nothing else!"

"If you ever encounter any difficulties in the county town in the future, feel free to come to the canal gang to find me. I, Huo, will help you if I can."

Jiang Lan did not refuse. She picked up her wine glass and gently clinked it against Huo Yuanlong's. The glasses made a crisp sound as they collided.

The two of them drank the strong liquor in their glasses.

Huo Yuanlong got up, walked straight to the window, and pushed open the wooden window.

A cool river breeze instantly swept into the pavilion, carrying the fishy smell of the river and the noisy shouts of vendors from the distant night market, dispelling the stuffiness inside.

He turned his back to Jiang Lan, looked at the flowing river below, remained silent for a moment, and then suddenly spoke.

You must have heard about the Golden Scales Society.

"Mm," Jiang Lan replied.

Huo Yuanlong turned around, leaning against the window frame. The light from outside fell on his face, creating a play of light and shadow that obscured his expression. "Shi Yunshan, the master of Cangsong Martial Arts School, is cunning and shrewd. His disciples will definitely keep pressing him."

Huo Yuanlong walked back to the table, poured himself another glass of wine, tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, then slammed the glass down on the table: "I'm saying all this today simply to remind you to be more careful in the future."

Jiang Lan stood up, clasped her hands in a fist salute to Huo Yuanlong, and said, "Thank you for your hospitality today, Chief Huo, and thank you for the reminder. I will keep it in mind. Farewell."

He didn't linger and turned to leave Tingtao Pavilion.

Song Kui got up and escorted him to the third-floor stairwell, then stopped and didn't follow him downstairs. He simply nodded to him as a farewell.

Only after Jiang Lan's footsteps had completely disappeared into the corridor did Song Kui gently close the door to Tingtao Pavilion.

Huo Yuanlong, holding his wine glass and gazing at the moonlight outside the window, suddenly spoke in a low voice: "What do you think of Jiang Lan?"

Song Kui stood to the side with his hands at his sides, speaking cautiously: "Brother Jiang is calm and composed, and his performance in the arena has already shown the qualities of a great general."

"However... he refused the position of vice leader and was unwilling to be associated with the Cao Gang. He will go his own way from now on. As for Shi Yunshan... with his current strength, it would be too much of a stretch for him to directly confront Cangsong Martial Arts School."

Song Kui's concerns are reasonable.

The path of the martial world is never paved by force alone.

Connections, powerful backers, influence, and popular support are all indispensable.

Jiang Lan was all alone, no different from a lamb walking alone in a pack of wolves. If Cangsong Martial Arts School were to cause trouble, he would not even have anyone to back him up.

"I know."

Huo Yuanlong took a sip of wine, turned his gaze from the window, and a hint of appreciation appeared in his eyes: "Compared to his ferocity on the ring, what I value more is his unyielding spirit and his determination to resist temptation."

"A person with such a temperament will not stay in a pond for long."

"He doesn't want to join my canal gang, and I won't force him. But I, Huo Yuanlong, acknowledge this favor."

"If the Cangsong Martial Arts School dares to touch him in the future, they will be making an enemy of our Cao Gang."