Water Ink Panel: Starting with Bow Technique to Hunt the Sun and Patrol the Skies

Chapter 47: Chapter 46: Entering the Inner Courtyard

Shen Qing glanced at Wang Qiyao's hands and noticed the absence of calluses, indicating that he had never practiced any fighting techniques and his cultivation must have reached at most the Great Perfection of Qi and Blood.

This level of arrogance must be due to having powerful support, unafraid of offending anyone.

After contemplating for a moment, Shen Qing decisively said, "I'll sell!"

Upon hearing this, the expression on the face of Wang Qiyao from Wanfeng Building slightly cleared, feeling that Shen Qing finally understood the situation, but the next statement made his complexion change.

"But with this, the Tiger King's Penis becomes a problem."

Wang Qiyao inquired, "What do you mean by that?"

"Manager Wang, over the past couple of days, our village discovered traces of the Tiger King while hunting in the mountains.

Everyone is interested in this Tiger King, and they even planned to use the money from this sale to buy some hunting tools to prepare," Shen Qing glanced at a stunned Wang Qiyao and sadly added, "But now with the price you're setting so low it seems nobody will be in the mood."

"..."

Shen Qing continued, "Manager Wang, you know a tiger's hunting range can be as vast as a hundred square miles, and Shicheng Mountain is so small. This is a rare opportunity, miss this chance, and I... I'll just have to think of other ways."

As Shen Qing spoke, his eyes intently fixed on Wang Qiyao's face, observing his every expression.

Just now, he saw Wang Qiyao mention the matter of mountain delicacies to every hunter, which showed how much Wang Qiyao cared about those three delicacies; it could even be connected to his future career prospects.

He was now trying to link the topic of mountain delicacies with their mountain goods, hoping to loosen Wang Qiyao's grip to squeeze out some more silver.

Since I am to handle matters, surely there should be some token of gratitude, right?

Shen Qing's expression was extremely sincere, showing a "very disappointed" look, causing a flicker of hesitation in Wang Qiyao's thoughts, as though he had made a significant decision and took several deep breaths before saying, "Seven taels, that's the biggest concession I can make."

Although it was still less than expected, it was obviously better than the initial three taels.

Shen Qing smiled and respectfully said, "Thank you, Manager Wang."

Leaning forward, Wang Qiyao lowered his voice and coldly warned, "I can give you more money, but you must bring me news about the mountain delicacies before spring starts, or it won't just be a matter of thirty taels. You're not stupid, you should understand what I mean."

Shen Qing wiped the smile off his face and glanced at Wang Qiyao.

Threatening me?!

A sudden alertness rose in his heart.

Wang Qiyao was a man of the Song family from the county town, with both background and support, while he had just entered the Entry Level and wasn't even a martial master.

If he really wanted to deal with him, it would be all too easy, but...

Shen Qing's face broke into a smile, respectfully responding, "Understood, understood."

"Good, A Wen, pay him with seven silver taels," Wang Qiyao casually called out and continued walking toward the next hunter.

Shen Qing received the seven silver taels and after briefly verifying the amount, left the courtyard silently with Tian Xiaohu in tow.

Once they reached a secluded spot, Shen Qing took out one tael silver and handed it to Tian Xiaohu, saying, "Xiao Hu and I are off to Linfeng Hall to practice martial arts, and being the first day, we don't know when we will finish. Since the opportunity is rare, all three of us will stay in town tonight and not return home.

Go find us an inn nearby, and with the rest of the money, see if there is anything you want to buy for the family."

Tian Xiaohu looked at the one tael silver in Shen Qing's hand, hesitating, he said, "This... doesn't seem right."

"I also have something else I need you to check on for me," Shen Qing waved him over, then whispered into his ear.

Tian Xiaohu exclaimed in surprise, "Why do you need to look into this?"

"Never mind that, just do as I said," Shen Qing replied.

Recalling today's incident with Old Ba Zi, Tian Xiaohu asked no further questions, "Okay, I understand. Later, I'll come find you at Linfeng Hall."

"Be careful on your way," Shen Qing said.

Tian Xiaohu jumped down from the cart and hurriedly parted ways with Shen Qing, each heading in opposite directions.

...

Shen Qing wandered around the county town and reached Shengshi Square, where he skillfully found the main gate of Linfeng Hall.

He stepped forward, grabbed the knocker, and gently tapped three times before announcing his name.

"Come in."

Soon, the thick wooden door opened inward, revealing behind it still the face of A Fu with his prominent brow bones.

"Come in!"

A Fu recognized Shen Qing and Shen Xiaohu, said no more, let them in, and even took their horses to the stable.

After securing the horses, A Fu hurried back and said, "Last time the master had already instructed that if you come, just go straight inside to train. You'll have senior and junior brothers to guide you. Junior Brother Shen, you are to go to the inner courtyard, and the younger brother behind will go to the Outer Court. I'll take you there."

Following the direction of the stable, they walked straight for a while.

Shen Qing and Shen Xiaohu arrived at the front courtyard.

They saw stone locks of various sizes placed on the ground of the courtyard, their surfaces smooth from long-term use.

People continuously joined near the stone locks, lining up in rows.

About a dozen robust men, under the watch of Shen Qing and others, each firmly grasped a heavy stone lock.

At a deep command, the men exerted force together, their muscles tensed, lifting the stone locks high.

This was repeated over and over.

Each action was accompanied by dull breaths and the heavy thuds of the stone locks hitting the ground, instantly giving one the urge to join in.

A Fu turned to Shen Xiaohu and asked aloud, "Did you bring the money?"

"Brought it all." Shen Xiaohu quickly took out a patched-up purse from his body, poured out seven silver taels, and offered them to A Fu with both hands.

A Fu, without any courtesy, took the silver and said, "I'll go record this for you later; just go stand in the last row and start training."

Shen Xiaohu was somewhat timid but still mustered his courage and walked to the very back.

The stone locks in that position were the smallest.

He struggled to grasp two of them and lifted them along with everyone else: "Hu, ha!"

"Junior Brother Shen, you come this way, follow me." A Fu pointed to an Outer Gate beside him, led Shen Qing through it, and entered the second courtyard.

The second courtyard was much more spacious than the front one, but it had far fewer people, only about six or seven.

Various wooden dummies were placed inside.

A Fu pointed to a tall man and said, "That's the master's direct disciple, our senior brother Ouyang Tiezhu. He will be teaching you for the coming period. If you have any confusion about Martial Arts, just ask him. As for the other rules, you can figure them out yourself."

"Thank you, senior brother."

A Fu smiled, then left the second courtyard.

Shen Qing knew that from today onward, he would truly begin his Martial Arts training and practice fighting techniques.

He took a deep breath, walked slowly towards the location of Ouyang Tiezhu, and greeted him, "Hello Senior Brother, I am the newly arrived Shen Qing."

Ouyang Tiezhu glanced him up and down and said, "The master mentioned you to me, said you are good material for Martial Arts training. Let's go talk over there."

Shen Qing obeyed and honestly followed behind Ouyang Tiezhu.

Finding a quiet place, Ouyang Tiezhu asked Shen Qing, "Junior brother, do you know why we practice Martial Arts?"