Chapter 68: Chapter 64: Fishmonger

Zhou Institute.

Chen Qing had just finished his form and stood still, sweat trickling down his chiseled jaw as his chest gently rose and fell.

He was regulating his breathing to calm the roiling qi and blood from his Pile Skill practice when a disciple hurried over and handed him an invitation.

“Brother Chen, someone just asked me to give this to you. He said he was a Wu Family Steward.”

A Wu Family Steward!?

A chill went through Chen Qing’s heart as he accepted the invitation.

His only interaction with the Wu Family in Gaolin County had been the “fist duel” at Goddess Temple Pier.

He opened the card. The signature was indeed Wu Manqing’s.

The words between the lines were sincere, inviting him to a meeting at Linfu Restaurant in the Inner City.

Linfu Restaurant was the most prominent restaurant in the northern part of the city.

Chen Qing looked at the invitation in his hand. Wu Manqing’s friendly gesture was quite clear.

Choosing a restaurant instead of the Wu Family estate also showed a degree of sincerity.

’If it’s truly as the invitation says, to bury the hatchet, then that wouldn’t be so bad.’

Chen Qing thought to himself.

He was not an aggressive person by nature. If he could avoid pointless enmities, he would be more than happy to do so.

Dusk fell, and the lanterns began to light up the city.

Linfu Restaurant, with its upturned eaves and intricate brackets, was brilliantly lit. Those coming and going were all prominent figures in Gaolin County.

Dressed in neat, blue Martial Attire, Chen Qing walked with a steady gait. Led by an attendant, he went straight up to the quietest room on the top floor, “Tingtai Pavilion.”

The door to the private room opened, and a refined fragrance of sandalwood washed over him, instantly shutting out the clamor from downstairs.

He saw Wu Manqing seated in the host’s chair. She was no longer in the goose-yellow dress from the pier. Now, she wore a moon-white brocade skirt and blouse, its silver threads forming subtle, flowing patterns. She had less of a cold, sharp edge and more of the graceful bearing of a lady from a Noble Family.

Standing beside her was a middle-aged Steward with a steady presence and sharp eyes, clearly a bodyguard.

“Brother Chen, you are indeed punctual. Please, have a seat.”

Wu Manqing rose with a smile. Her voice was clear and pleasant, her posture graceful and proper, as if the life-and-death duel had never happened.

“Madam Wu, you invited me. I would not dare to be late.”

Chen Qing clasped his fist in salute and quickly scanned the private room.

The decor was elegant, and the view from the window overlooked the myriad lights of the Inner City. It was an excellent location.

Besides Wu Manqing and the Steward, there was no one else.

This allowed him to relax his guard slightly, and he sat down opposite Wu Manqing.

“Brother Chen, Manqing has yet to forget your magnificent display at the pier that day. As for the matter with Master Tian, it was simply the rules of the duel—life and death are decided by fate. The Wu Family is not so petty as to be a sore loser.”

Wu Manqing got straight to the point, her tone sincere. “I’ve arranged this banquet today for two reasons. First, to resolve any unpleasantness from that day—it is better to resolve enmity than to create it. Second, I genuinely admire your Martial Arts and skill, Brother Chen, and I wish to form a positive connection with you.”

As she spoke, she raised a slender hand.

The Steward standing to the side understood immediately and clapped his hands lightly.

The waiters who had been waiting outside filed in, placing one exquisite and fragrant dish after another on the table.

The last thing brought out was a Jade Plate carved from a single piece of Warm Jade. On it rested a beautiful, foot-long fish covered in shimmering silver scales.

The fish’s body emanated a faint Spiritual Qi, and its flesh was so translucent it seemed to glow from within.

“This Spirit Fish is called a ’Silver Shuttle.’ It only survives in cold waters and grows merely two inches a year. Eating it can nourish one’s qi and blood and soothe the meridians, making it highly beneficial for a Martial Artist.”

Wu Manqing explained, “This fish is a rare delicacy. I had it specially prepared for you today, Brother Chen, as a small token of my sincerity.”

A Spirit Fish!

Chen Qing’s heart stirred. He knew full well how precious such an item was.

This Silver Shuttle was a full seven inches long, which meant it was three years old.

For Wu Manqing to serve this to a guest showed she was not only generous but also quite sincere.

“You are too kind, Madam Wu. I am unworthy of such a generous gift.”

Chen Qing did not pick up his chopsticks. He merely gave a slight nod of thanks, his gaze calm as he looked at Wu Manqing.

“There’s no need to be so polite, Brother Chen.”

Wu Manqing smiled faintly, as if seeing through Chen Qing’s caution. She took the lead, raising her chopsticks to elegantly place a piece of fish into her mouth.

Only then did Chen Qing pick up his chopsticks.

The fish melted the moment it entered his mouth, transforming into a powerful, warm current that coursed through his limbs and bones, nourishing his muscles, sinews, qi, and blood.

The effect of this three-year-old ’Silver Shuttle’ was much stronger than the one-and-a-half-year-old ’Golden-Horned Treasure Fish’.

“When it comes to precious materials like Spirit Fish, the difference in age creates a world of difference in efficacy—and in price as well.”

Wu Manqing smiled. “Brother Chen, do you know the market price for a three-year-old ’Silver Shuttle’?”

Chen Qing said, “I’m listening.”

Wu Manqing said slowly, “Five hundred taels.”

“Five hundred taels!?”

Chen Qing’s brows twitched. He couldn’t help but be inwardly shocked.

A single fish cost five hundred taels of silver. To put that in perspective, the courtyard home he’d bought had only cost three hundred taels of silver.

“Of course, that is the public selling price.”

Wu Manqing took a sip of wine. “My Wu Family specializes in selling Spirit Fish. We have our own channels, so our cost is naturally far lower.”

“Thank you for your generous hospitality, Madam.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Qing’s chopsticks moved frequently, picking up more of the fish.

The abundant blood and qi flowed through his body, bringing waves of comfort.

Watching his unaffected actions, Wu Manqing’s lips curled into an appreciative smile.

When Chen Qing had eaten most of it, she set down her cup and met his gaze with a look that was both sincere and direct. “Brother Chen, let’s not beat around the bush. Manqing greatly admires your character and your abilities. I wonder if you would be willing to condescend to join my Wu Family and lend me your strength? You may state your conditions freely. As long as it is within the Wu Family’s power, we will do our utmost to satisfy you.”

She had stated her purpose for the day.

Hearing this, Chen Qing also put down his chopsticks, somewhat surprised.

He hadn’t expected that Wu Manqing not only wanted to resolve their differences but actually wanted to recruit him.

Although the Wu Family was not as illustrious as the Five Great Races, they specialized in Spirit Fish, with trade routes extending to prefectures and counties. Their foundation was deep, and their financial power was by no means inferior.

Seeing Chen Qing hesitate without a word, Wu Manqing leaned forward slightly and said in a low voice, “As long as you are willing, Brother Chen, my Wu Family can give you our full support in your bid for the Military Examination!”

The Military Examination!?

Even Chen Qing’s heart leaped upon hearing this.

The Military Examination was a ladder to the heavens—a path to the Sects and the chance to learn Upper-Grade Martial Arts.

The Martial Arts from places like the Zhou Institute or Martial Arts Halls were all Middle-Grade, or even Lower-Grade. Cultivating them to the Transmutation Force realm was the limit. To advance any further, one had to cultivate Upper-Grade Martial Arts.

And without a family inheritance of such arts, one could only learn them from a Sect.

“…This is a matter of great importance.”

Chen Qing suppressed the surging emotions in his heart and said in a heavy voice, “Please allow me to go back and consider it.”

Wu Manqing smiled. “Of course. The doors of my Wu Family are always open for you, Brother Chen.”

After a few more pleasantries, Chen Qing stood up to take his leave.

Once the door to the private room closed, the Steward, who had been silent all this time, spoke in a low voice. “Madam, was your promise today too much? That Chen Qing is indeed a talent—he made the C List in the Martial Arts Examination, and the battle at the pier made him famous. His potential is considerable. But the path of the Military Examination is like a thousand soldiers crossing a single-log bridge! Is he… truly worth such a heavy investment from our Wu Family?”

Wu Zhong’s concern was reasonable.

The Military Examination didn’t just depend on martial prowess; talent, resources, opportunity, and luck were all indispensable.

The Wu Family’s investment would be enormous, and the risk was extremely high.

Passing the Military Examination was no easy task; it was like a thousand soldiers crossing a single-log bridge.

Although Chen Qing’s strength was considerable, he was still a long way from passing the Military Examination.

“I know.”

Wu Manqing said coolly, “Compared to his ranking in the Martial Arts Examination or the skills he showed at the pier, what I value more is the integrity and sense of responsibility he showed by standing up for the Cheng Family. Loyalty and keeping one’s word are virtues worth more than a thousand pieces of gold. A person like that is someone I, Wu Manqing, am willing to invest everything in.”

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