Chapter 122: Fighting Class

Chapter 122: Combat Class

Zhang Yuanqing took a taxi and rushed to Fubaiwan, swiping his access card through security, entering the district, and arriving at the luxury villa.

The moment he entered, he spotted Ling Jun dressed in a loose single layer shirt, cropped pants, and flip-flops, stealthily hiding beneath a landscaped tree, his arms wrapped around the trunk as he muttered under his breath.

Zhang Yuanqing followed his gaze and saw that amidst the lush foliage, a green vine had wrapped around a phone, its lens aimed at a certain window of the villa, continuously adjusting its angle as if filming something.

What is he doing... Zhang Yuanqing leaned over and asked:

"Are you secretly filming the bunny girl taking a bath?"

"What's there to spy on for that," Ling Jun turned his head, whispering, "Quiet down, I'm filming the headline for the trending searches."

Is there anything in this world more worth filming than a young lady with a slim waist, long legs, and a large chest taking a bath? If there is, it would be a sow taking a bath... Is this guy also an ascetic type like Fu Qingyang?

Zhang Yuanqing wanted to ask more, but Ling Jun waved him away: "Go tend to your business, don't just stand here, you'll get me caught."

He had no choice but to turn around, following the stone path laid across the lawn to enter the villa's interior.

Navigating the familiar path outside the study, he tapped twice lightly before pushing open the brown double wooden doors.

As the doors swung open, Zhang Yuanqing heard the familiar, endearing sound of "pitter-patter."

In the luxuriously decorated study, the first thing he saw was a curly-haired Teddy bear sitting upright on the desk, followed by a pair of brand-new, petite red dancing shoes.

At this moment, the red dancing shoes were launching a fierce attack around the curly-haired Teddy.

"Thud, thud, thud..."

Sometimes a flying kick, sometimes a fierce stomp, sometimes kicking the left cheek, sometimes kicking the right, like a bothersome and tireless fly.

Unsure if it was an illusion, Zhang Yuanqing felt that Elder Dog had utterly lost all desire to live at this moment.

Sitting on the reception sofa were Fu Qingyang, Guan Ya, and Jiang Jingwei; the red-haired girl was staring at Elder Teddy as if watching a play, constantly letting out bursts of "haha" and "giggle" laughter.

Guan Ya’s lips were tightly pursed, holding it in with great effort.

Fu Qingyang still maintained his brick-like face, but his gaze remained fixed on Elder Dog, never straying, unwilling to move it for even a single second.

The Elder triggered the killing rule of the red dancing shoes... As expected of a rule-based item, even the Elder has no way to neutralize it... However, it can be seen that Elder Dog is a dignified powerhouse, preferring to endure the harassment of the red dancing shoes rather than engage in an awkward dance...

Zhang Yuanqing took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing the laughter that had almost slipped out.

As the study door pushed open, Fu Qingyang and the others looked over, and Elder Dog's gaze suddenly grew sharp, casting a murderous look at Yuanshi Tianzun.

Zhang Yuanqing bowed deeply at once: "Thank you, Elder, for traveling thousands of miles to the capital to resolve the hidden dangers of the item for me. This subordinate will surely repay you in the future."

Looking at such a respectful and submissive subordinate, Elder Dog didn't know how to vent his rage; at that moment, the red dancing shoes flew up with another kick, delivering a massive slap to his face.

Rage blazed in Elder Dog's eyes.

Zhang Yuanqing bowed deeply again: "Thank you, Elder."

...Elder Dog said in a heavy voice: "Take this broken item back."

"Yes!" Zhang Yuanqing breathed a sigh of relief, looking toward the red dancing shoes: "Do not offend the Elder..."

Secretly, he initiated the summon.

Receiving the master's summon, the red dancing shoes indeed ceased their attack, hopping and skipping toward their owner.

It was worth mentioning that after an item recognized its master, the owner could actively cancel or interrupt the red dancing shoes' attack; this was a power granted by the Spirit Realm.

Just as Zhang Yuanqing was about to put away the red dancing shoes, an unexpected message surfaced before him:

[Are you willing to dance with me? If you are, please march in place.]

Oh no, I forgot that I hadn't paid the price for the last use... Zhang Yuanqing looked toward Elder Dog and said:

"Elder, let me step out for a moment..."

"No need!" Elder Dog said indifferently, "Just dance right here."

This is your revenge!!

Zhang Yuanqing immediately looked toward Fu Qingyang: Centurion, you have to back me up.

Fu Qingyang averted his gaze.

Guan Ya silently pulled out her phone, opening the recording function.

"Dancing?" Jiang Jingwei looked ecstatic: "I want to watch, I want to watch..."

If I must dance, I will dance, it's not like I haven't done an awkward dance in public before, I am after all the successor to my uncle's legacy... Zhang Yuanqing took a step back with his left foot, tiptoed, and performed a curtsy.

Immediately following, the sound of "thud thud" tap dancing echoed in the study.

A few minutes later, the red dancing shoes concluded the dance, performing a "curtsy" with great satisfaction before dissolving into red light and vanishing.

Elder Dog was satisfied and said:

"The rest of you step down first, I have words to speak with Yuanshi."

Fu Qingyang rose immediately, giving a slight nod as he passed by his trusted subordinate, expressing approval of his dancing skills: "Not a bad dance."

"..."

Guan Ya waved her phone at him, a mischievous smile plastered across her face.

Zhang Yuanqing grabbed her hand: "I only have one request, don't let Yuan Ting know."

Fu Qingyang paused, his gaze darting toward their clasped hands.

Zhang Yuanqing let go instantly.

Once Jiang Jingwei had also left, Elder Dog said grimly:

"During my trip to the capital, I learned a piece of news from Elder Sun. He said he encountered Goddess Sandaoshan within the Night Wanderer Spirit Realm and discovered the reason she was looking for you."

Zhang Yuanqing's heart instantly skipped a beat.

Elder Dog continued: "He hopes you will sell that item containing Goddess Sandaoshan's Yang Soul. Are you willing?"

The function of the Demon-Slaying Pestle was purification and breaking magic, but the karma attached to it was immense, making it very easy for that old hag to track him across thousands of miles.

If the Taiyi Sect could offer an item to replace the Demon-Slaying Pestle, along with other valuable items and cash, Zhang Yuanqing actually wanted to sell it.

This was just like the Holy Grail of Fall; although its tier was high, it wasn't of much use to him, so transforming it into benefits he could absorb right now was for the best.

Trading it for a few powerful items to finish off Li Xianzong...

"..." Zhang Yuanqing pondered, if he were to sell it, what price would be appropriate to demand.

Elder Dog said approvingly: "No need to feel conflicted, I have already declined on your behalf. Goddess Sandaoshan's Yang Soul is a rare treasure, and since you are a Night Wanderer, it will surely be of great use in the future. Did he think a mere phrase like 'name your price' could take this treasure away?"

"Elder, what did you say?"

"Goddess Sandaoshan's Yang Soul is a rare treasure."

"No, I mean, you said he said name your price?" Zhang Yuanqing felt a wrenching pang of grief and regret, crying out in his heart that he was willing to sell, and that they must absolutely come buy it at a high price.

Elder Dog was taken aback, but pretending not to see his temptation, he continued:

"It's normal that you are unwilling to sell. Goddess Sandaoshan's Yang Soul has three major uses. First, refining high-level items. Second, when your level reaches the Sovereign Stage in the future, you can use it to make a deal with that Goddess. Third, as the most extreme measure, you can control her and enslave her.

"In other words, as long as you reach the Sovereign Stage, you can rely on that thing to become a powerful figure within the Sovereign level."

This was the reason he had rejected Elder Sun—to take a gamble. If Yuanshi Tianzun could ascend to a Sovereign, the Five Elements Alliance would gain yet another top-tier combat power.

Enslaving the old bastard... Zhang Yuanqing suddenly didn't want to sell it anymore, and mused:

"But I'm afraid I can't keep it safe."

Elder Dog said:

"If you're worried about people from Taiyi Sect secretly snatching it, don't worry. People at the elder level wouldn't stoop to such things, and the Five Elements Alliance wouldn't allow it. It's the Dark Night Rose you need to watch out for.

"As for the Spirit Realm, that is indeed a problem. You can temporarily hand over that item to the branch for safekeeping, and retrieve it when your level is high enough in the future. Of course, the choice is yours."

Handing it over is the safest option. With an elder backing me, the authorities won't cheat me out of my item; otherwise, they have plenty of ways... But then I'd lose a powerful item. From what I've seen, the Five Elements Alliance doesn't seem to have a Night Wanderer Dominator-level item to give me as a replacement for the Demon-Subduing Pestle...

As for the Spirit Realm, as long as I don't run into a dungeon influenced by that old codger like Jinshui Amusement Park, it should be fine...

Zhang Yuanqing said, "Let me think it over."

……

First floor, training room.

Zhang Yuanqing, wearing a white training uniform, followed Guan Ya's instructions, performing simple stretching exercises.

The Night Wanderer had granted him a strong physique and decent flexibility; now he could easily do a split without fear of pulling his balls.

Guan Ya and Jiang Jingwei were also in white training uniforms, one older and one younger, both beautiful with great figures, a pleasing sight.

"Jingwei, why are you here too?" Zhang Yuanqing asked while pressing his legs, looking at the red-haired girl.

"Looking for a fight with Sister Guan Ya, isn't this more fun than going to school or work?" Jiang Jingwei said excitedly.

She definitely didn't want to sit in an office anymore.

Zhang Yuanqing's heart stirred: "Who's stronger, you or Guan Ya?"

"Without using abilities, just fighting, I've never won," Jiang Jingwei confessed honestly.

The old driver's martial arts are stronger than I thought. Even Jingwei can't beat her...

Guan Ya sat on the ground, legs together, body leaning forward, easily holding her pink feet with both hands. If her collar were lower, Zhang Yuanqing might get a view.

She stretched her tendons while saying:

"You're a rookie, so we'll skip strength training. There are countless martial arts styles, both domestic and foreign. I'll start with teaching you free combat—it's the most suitable for you at this stage.

"When you improve and if you're still interested in physical techniques, I'll teach you more styles."

"Sounds like you've mastered many schools?" Zhang Yuanqing looked at her with newfound respect.

Guan Ya maintained her forward-leaning posture, smiling:

"I was forced to. Sigh, the Fu family is an inhumane big clan, raising children like poison insects from a young age. The kids of the same generation compete in everything. Studies, combat, swordsmanship...

"If you don't want to get beaten, you have to train hard. My talents aren't bad—after age ten, except for one older cousin, no one could beat me. But I got tired of that life. The higher the elders' expectations, the less I wanted to try."

Who would've thought you're a kindred spirit of Senior Tengyuan... Zhang Yuanqing asked: "What about Bai Fuzhang? He must have been outstanding when he was young."

"More like I beat him until he was outstanding," Guan Ya snorted. "When he was little, he was sickly and untalented. The adults all said he had no future... Anyway, let's not talk about his dark history."

Untalented? The most outstanding young man of the Five Elements Alliance, one of the top fighters below Dominator level, and he lacked talent? Zhang Yuanqing thought to himself, so Fu Qingyang had a "don't bully the youth" childhood too.

Zhang Yuanqing finished stretching and was eager to start: "Sister Guan Ya, let's begin."

Guan Ya used her waist strength to stand up straight, and said: "To improve your combat skills quickly, no skills allowed. Then let's begin..."

Zhang Yuanqing mused: "In free combat, are there no rules?"

Guan Ya nodded: "Winning is the only standard. Are you going to discuss rules with your enemy?"

……

The sun set in the west.

Three hours later, Zhang Yuanqing dragged his weary feet out of the training room and into the lobby.

In the first-floor living room, on a ridiculously expensive sofa, Ling Jun was laughing and joking with two bunny girls. When Zhang Yuanqing emerged, Ling Jun and the bunny girls went silent.

Ling Jun was stunned by Zhang Yuanqing's miserable condition: "Your left cheek is swollen like a pig's head."

"Guan Ya hit me."

"What about the right cheek?"

"Jingwei hit me."

"Even if a Night Wanderer has strong recovery, you can't abuse yourself like this," Ling Jun said angrily.

"Well, not exactly. Guan Ya said she was teaching me free combat, and she said winning is the only goal, there are no rules. So I hit her with a lost martial arts move, the 'Dragon Claw Hand for Grabbing Breasts.'"

"Well then, you didn't lose out."

"But I didn't get to grab it..."

"Then why did Jingwei hit you? Did you use the lost Dragon Claw move on her too?"

"Do I look like a pervert? I just said one thing: 'NTR must die.'"

"Oh, then she didn't kill you, which means she still loves you."

At that moment, the bunny girl brought over his prepared meal: pepper steak, sausages, fried eggs, desserts, fruits, energy drinks, etc., to replenish his strength.

Zhang Yuanqing stopped chatting and wolfed down the food.

……

In the afterglow of the sunset, Zhang Yuanqing put on a peaked cap and a mask, covering himself completely, and sneaked back home.

He entered the password, unlocked the security door, and heard clanking sounds from the kitchen: it was his grandmother preparing dinner.

Zhang Yuanqing slipped into the bedroom and called out, "Grandma, I've already eaten outside. I have to study tonight, so don't bother me."

"Why didn't you say so earlier? I made too much rice again," Grandma grumbled.

"Just send it to Uncle, he's always full of energy anyway," Zhang Yuanqing replied.

Grandma thought it over and calmed down.

Closing the door, Zhang Yuanqing first opened the messaging app to check.

Xie Lingxi had sent him a string of 【crying】emojis three hours ago.

Zhang Yuanqing replied, "I've been practicing combat lately. Wait until your big bro perfects his divine skill."

Xie Lingxi instantly responded, "After you perfect your skill, will you avenge me?"

Zhang Yuanqing: "No, I'll join her in beating you up."

Xie Lingxi sent another string of 【crying】emojis.

Zhang Yuanqing put down his phone and walked to the full-length mirror by the window, grinning painfully.

The swelling in his face had gone down, but his internal injuries were not healed; his waist and chest ached dully, probably damage to his organs.

"Really, she hit so hard. She talks about sharing a room with me and using me to practice her 'trussing a chicken' technique, but when I just show a little interest in her magnificently exaggerated chest, she beats me up..."

But Guan Ya did teach some useful things.

His biggest problem was that when fighting, he only used fists and feet, without properly utilizing knees, elbows, shoulders, back...

When encountering opponents with lesser physiques, he could suppress them, but as soon as he met a martial arts expert, his rookie status was instantly exposed.

……

Golden Water Amusement Park.

The night was heavy, the amusement park shimmering with dreamlike, dazzling light.

A golden light rent the thick night sky, coalescing into an incomparably beautiful woman in ancient costume; her features were serene and lovely, the contours of her cheeks outlining a perfect face, her nose straight and refined, her lips seductive.

In the night wind, her skirt and black hair flew, pure and cold, like a celestial maiden.

The Three Paths Mountain Goddess glanced at the amusements below, where six weak ants, eyes shut, rode the roaring roller coaster.

She withdrew her gaze, looked no more, and descended on a golden light onto the eerie old mansion.

The yin energy here stagnated, and the vengeful spirits in the haunted house prostrated on the ground, trembling.

A dense mass of yin energy emanated from deep within the old mansion, stopping ten meters from the Three Paths Mountain Goddess; indistinctly, a figure in a wedding dress bowed to her in salute.

The Three Paths Mountain Goddess asked: “The person I told you to find, have you any clues?”

……