I was told I'd be a late bloomer, but I was born with the potential to achieve great things!

Bajiquan Martial Arts School.

"Fool, you can't even handle a mere disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, and you've even been caught red-handed."

"Father, your son..."

"No need to explain, I don't want to hear it anyway."

Ten days later is the day of the arena competition. Although the Seven Mysteries Sect uses the name of a merchant guild, everyone with eyes can see that my Eight Extremes Martial Arts School took the bullet for the Black Tiger Gang.

"Hmph, using the name of my Bajiquan Martial Arts School to make an example of someone—Wang Xuan of the Seven Mysteries Sect certainly has a good idea."

As he spoke, the head of the Bajiquan martial arts school was clearly enraged, and his eyes flashed with murderous intent.

Feng Hui wanted to say something, but before he could speak, he heard his father continue.

"Take your men and go to the Black Tiger Gang right now."

"The Black Tiger Gang?"

Feng Hui said with a bitter face.

Although he accepted money from the Black Tiger Gang to cause trouble for their shops, the current relationship between the Black Tiger Gang and the Seven Mysteries Sect...

They probably wish their Bajiquan Martial Arts School would fight the Qixuan Sect to the death first, so why would they be willing to take action?

"Now you're hesitant? Why weren't you hesitant when you received the money?"

Instead of spending your days greedily seeking petty gains, you should sharpen your eyes and diligently practice your martial arts.

Feng Guoqing snorted coldly, scolding his son while offering some advice.

"Tell the Black Tiger Gang that if they want more help in the future, they'll have to contribute this time."

Upon hearing this, Feng Hui's eyes lit up, and he immediately cupped his hands in greeting.

"Father, I understand. I'll go find the Black Tiger Gang right away."

This journey took several days.

Seven Mysteries Gate, Heji Pharmacy.

"How many copies is this?"

At the counter, manager Li Shanming looked at the expenditures in the account, and the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

That kid was really shameless, taking three suits a day, not afraid of being stuffed to death.

With this thought in mind, Li Shanming took three more doses of blood-tonifying powder and headed towards Zhou An's residence.

Since the news of the martial arts competition spread, the Bajiquan Martial Arts School and the Black Tiger Gang have been frequently in contact, as if afraid that others would not know that they had started a cooperation.

Not only that.

Some forces with ties to the two companies were also unwilling to lag behind.

It was as if everyone in Ningshan City was determined to confront the Seven Mysteries Sect.

Li Shanming knew in his heart that these were all illusions.

But he also understood that if the Seven Mysteries Sect really lost, those who were just observing would immediately turn into hungry beasts and pounce on him.

A natural swordsman's physique?

He'd be grateful if the first match could end in a draw.

Soon, Li Shanming arrived at Zhou An's residence. To his surprise, Liu Shuqing, Sun Wenhao, and others had also arrived carrying blood-tonifying powder.

"Greetings, Steward Li."

"What are you doing here?"

Li Shanming spoke, pointing to the medicinal soup in everyone's hands.

"Brother Zhou has been in seclusion for many days, so we have pooled together some money to help him as much as possible."

Sun Wenhao spoke up.

"This kid is quite lucky. Since you're doing the work, give him all the medicine too."

At this point, Li Shanming handed the three doses of blood-tonifying powder to Liu Shuqing.

"By the way, has he been taking all the blood-tonifying powder these past few days by himself?"

Before leaving, Li Shanming couldn't help but ask a question.

"Yes, Zhou An ate it all by himself."

"How is his progress?"

Li Shanming asked again.

"Yesterday at Chen Shi (7-9 AM), I heard a continuous series of 'patting' sounds coming from Brother Zhou's room."

Liu Shuqing hesitated for a moment before recounting what she had heard.

"I didn't hear any sound, but when he took a shower at the well that evening, a thick fog rose around him."

Now that autumn is deep, such a scene would only occur if one's vital energy and blood were abundant and vigorous.

Wang Yi, who was standing to the side, also chimed in.

He wasn't as wealthy as the other three and couldn't scrape together much silver, but being from the same impoverished background, he sincerely hoped that Zhou An could turn his life around and prove himself.

He felt envious and jealous, but he believed he was no weaker than Zhou An. Although he was temporarily behind, he could catch up and surpass him in the future.

"In that case, let him train like crazy. If he needs blood-replenishing powder, he can come to me anytime."

Upon hearing this, Li Shanming pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Um?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was taken aback, feeling both delighted and surprised, but their expressions quickly turned serious.

Something must have happened outside, otherwise why would the sect spend so much money?

Upon realizing this, the four of them instinctively looked at Zhou An's tightly closed door.

Zhou An was unaware of the four people's concerns.

"Did Manager Li really say I could use the blood-replenishing powder as I pleased?"

Half an hour later, Zhou An went out, drinking the blood-nourishing powder he had just brewed, and looking at everyone with shining eyes.

"That's what I say, but if you lose afterwards, I'm afraid your future won't be easy."

Liu Shuqing knew very well that all the gifts came with a price tag.

Free often means higher cost.

"These days, all the major forces in the city have been mobilized, and even the government has been alarmed."

Sun Wenhao's expression was solemn.

"The outcome of this battle will likely directly affect the future rise and fall of the Seven Mysteries Sect."

"It's not just about rise and fall; my sister said that some people inside their martial arts school have started betting operations, hoping to make a fortune from this opportunity."

Qian Youde's eyes looked strange.

As a disciple of the Seven Mysteries Sect, he should support the sect, but the news coming from all around... his money pouch tells him to bet on the other side.

"Your sister?"

Zhou An was taken aback.

"My sister is a disciple of the Extreme Martial Arts Academy. In this arena competition, the Extreme Martial Arts Academy and the government will be among the referees."

Qian Youde was somewhat annoyed.

"Brother Zhou, are you sure...? You've been staying indoors these past few days, give us your honest opinion."

"I can't guarantee a win, but a draw is no problem... You're betting too?"

Seeing Qian Youde's embarrassed expression, Zhou An was not angry. Instead, he asked with great interest.

"How much to bet? I don't think the list of participants for the martial arts competition has been released yet, right?"

"No one else played, but you did."

Liu Shuqing's expression was complicated.

"As the highlight of the arena competition, the first match will be between you and Feng Hui."

Although this person acts arrogantly, he has not only mastered hidden strength but has also achieved a level of skin-refining skill, reaching the point of having a copper-like skin.

"If it were him in the first match, I would have won for sure."

Zhou An made a firm decision about the tunnel.

All those blood-tonifying powders weren't taken for nothing.

His golden skin was already fully perfected, and the reason he stayed indoors was because he was tempering his iron body.

Is this really true?

Qian Youde suddenly stood up, leaned forward, and looked at him with burning eyes.

Zhou An raised his hand, a smile playing on his lips.

"I'm borrowing money; I'm going to go all in on myself."

What is "All-in"?

Sun Wenhao stepped forward instinctively, deeply attracted by this indomitable spirit of victory.

What are the odds?

Zhou An didn't explain, but simply revealed a set of gleaming white teeth.

"The tentative ratio is five to one, you get five and he gets one."

"Borrow money to pressure me... As long as he appears and competes with me, we'll all drink our fill of blood-nourishing powder."

Zhou An got up and drank the medicine in his hand in one gulp.

"Before the fight begins, keep working hard and don't let them notice."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhou An strode towards his room.

too little time.

He not only needs to refine his iron bones, but also needs to take advantage of this time to break through to the level of golden bones.

Because he's guaranteed to win.

As long as they win, Li Shanming wouldn't have any objections even if the price of the current blood-replenishing powder doubled.

In the blink of an eye, ten days have passed, and the time for the martial arts competition has arrived.

The morning light was bright on the horizon.

Manager Li Shanming, who arrived at the residence early to wait, did not see the spirited Zhou An, but instead a group of people with gloomy and dejected faces.

"..."

……