[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-becoming-a-saint-through-physical-cultivation-st":3,"chapter-becoming-a-saint-through-physical-cultivation-st-starting-with-the-diamond-exercise-to-achieve-sa-chapter-21":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting with the Diamond Exercise to Achieve Sagehood Through the Physical Body",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},2126494,3478,"Chapter 21: Coercion","starting-with-the-diamond-exercise-to-achieve-sa-chapter-21",21,"\u003Cp>The person sent by the Tri-Union Gang to take over was named Qian Ming. He was actually from Dashu Village, and Xu Yang had seen him a few times, so he wasn't a stranger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tri-Union Gang had a hall nearby, located in the area between Dashu Village, Li Family Village, and White Stone Workshop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he had planned to ambush Li Hu, he hadn't come here—not because he knew Li Hu was hiding, but because this hall had over a dozen people stationed there year-round. Killing Li Hu here wasn't realistic, which was why he chose to ambush him outside the village where Li Hu’s mistress lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way to the city, Xu Yang took a detour to come here, intending to pay the protection fee to avoid these people harassing his home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tri-Union Gang’s protection fee was per head, five copper coins per person per month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn't much, but it wasn't little either—it was meant to keep you barely alive so you could pay them tribute every month.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Xu Yang arrived, he found that most of the people who used to follow Li Hu had been replaced; several were new faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He quickly found the person in charge of records and handed over the ten copper coins he had prepared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Which village, what’s your name?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"White Stone Workshop, Xu Yang!\" Xu Yang said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after he reported his name, the person didn't record it. Instead, he shouted to the person at the door, \"Go quickly and invite Master Qian, tell him Xu Yang is here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang’s heart sank. Had the Tri-Union Gang discovered that he was the one who killed Li Hu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He kept his expression calm. Soon, Qian Ming arrived—a middle-aged man with a big belly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Li Hu, this man was not a martial artist, so he wasn't particularly afraid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the Tri-Union Gang discovered he was the one who did it, he could calmly kill his way out of here. What he feared were the Tri-Union Gang’s martial artists, not these lackeys who showed their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are Xu Yang?\" Qian Ming squinted his eyes, looking Xu Yang up and down, thinking to himself that he was indeed a mud-legged laborer who worked year-round; his body was indeed sturdy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This little one greets Master Qian!\" Xu Yang smiled, trying to make his strong frame look smaller.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a month, he had changed a lot; his height had shot up, and his body was terrifyingly robust. It would be hard for Qian Ming not to notice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Ming stared at him for a while, then his large hand suddenly slapped Xu Yang’s chest with a \"bang.\" Xu Yang took the opportunity to retreat a few steps, a look of \"pain\" appearing on his face. ===== CHAPTER 40 =====\u003C\u002Fp>\u003Cp>Qian Ming exclaimed in admiration, \"It’s a pity you aren't in the gang with a body like this. Come, follow me, and I guarantee you’ll eat well and live well, ten times better than being a beast of burden in the city.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang’s heart sank. This was an attempt to trick him into the Tri-Union Gang and then plot against Xu Qing. Otherwise, why would he need to invite Qian Ming to appear just to pay a fee?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he refused, he wouldn't be giving Qian Ming face, giving Qian Ming an excuse to make trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he agreed, Qian Ming could do whatever he wanted with him with a single word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Qian is too kind to this little one. My courage is smaller than a mouse’s; following Master Qian would only lose you face.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Ming’s face darkened, \"You don't think much of me?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Little one, Master Qian letting you follow him is doing you a favor.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ungrateful!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Daring to reject Master Qian’s face, kill him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding lackeys began to shout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang looked terrified, \"Master Qian, please see clearly. A hero like you, this little one admires you greatly. It’s just that I’m currently working for the Huang family in the city and have signed a contract. If I don't do it, the Huang family won't let me go.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He brought out the Huang family, which should have some effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fine, since that’s the case, I won't force you. I heard you have a drag-along sister who only competes with you for food. The Tri-Union Gang wants to buy her. You wouldn't refuse me this time, would you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Ming’s words were full of threats.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You’ve already refused me once; if you refuse again, I’m going to lose my temper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang took a deep breath and said, \"My sister and I have depended on each other since we were young. No matter what, I won't sell her. If Master Qian has nothing else, I must hurry to the Huang family to work.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Ming didn't get angry; instead, he laughed, \"Daring to refuse me twice in a row, and you say you have small courage? Go on then. Since you don't want to sell, my Tri-Union Gang won't engage in forced buying and selling.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for your understanding, Master Qian!\" Xu Yang cupped his hands and turned to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qian Ming’s eyes narrowed into slits, watching Xu Yang leave. In the end, he didn't push further. Xu Yang bringing up the Huang family twice in a row had some effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang might not be anyone important in the Huang family, but his uncle Zhou Shunchang had followed the Huang family before they rose to power and could certainly put in a word or two.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, if things were done too ugly, these mud-legged people would resist. At the very least, they couldn't do it openly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"He’s working in the city, right? You guys prepare; I want him unable to return home tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Master Qian, if something happens to him tonight, won't the Huang family suspect it was us?\" a subordinate said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was coerced today, and if he died tonight, the Huang family would naturally suspect them first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Then wait a few days,\" Qian Ming said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Huang family had only risen to power in recent years, it was better not to provoke them if possible. None of those big families in the city were simple. If they were easy to provoke, the Tri-Union Gang wouldn't just be scraping money from these mud-legged people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Looks like I’ll be sleeping less tonight.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang walked quickly toward Weiyuan Hall. Qian Ming had already developed murderous intent, but was deterred by the Huang family’s name and had ultimately refrained from acting on the spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally planned to deal with the Tri-Union Gang after breaking through to Qi Gathering, but it seemed he couldn't wait any longer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, the fact that Li Hu’s death could be hidden was because no one knew he was training in the city. Once that was exposed, it would be easy for people to link it to him, so a life-and-death confrontation between him and the Tri-Union Gang was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since that was the case, it was a matter of who died first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Over a dozen people, not easy to kill!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before leaving, he had quietly observed that this Tri-Union Gang hall had thirteen people, four or five of whom were equipped with sabers. If he didn't handle it well, let alone killing them, he might lose his own life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only been training in martial arts for a month. He could handle a few people with his bare hands, but if the other party had weapons, even one or two would be dangerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the way into the city, Xu Yang recalled all the information he knew about the Tri-Union Gang to see if he could find any useful information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A-Yang!\" Until a voice woke him up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking up, he realized he had arrived at the gate of Weiyuan Hall without realizing it. The person calling him was his cousin, Zhou Xia.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Cousin, why are you here!\" Putting away the thoughts in his mind, Xu Yang walked over quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What, can't I come?\" Zhou Xia revealed a playful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang scratched his head, \"No!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad asked me to come and see you!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As she spoke, she opened her five fingers, revealing a few pieces of white broken silver, which looked to be two taels: \"This is what Dad asked me to bring you. He told me to tell you, never give up.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang first nodded, indicating he hadn't given up, then shook his head, \"I can't take this. Uncle has already helped me a lot.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Uncle’s monthly salary of two taels sounded like a lot, but both cousins were married and had children, and they didn't have any decent jobs, so their income wasn't high; they relied entirely on Uncle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Dad knew you wouldn't take it. He said this is a loan; remember to pay him back when you become a martial artist.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Alright!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xu Yang then took the silver from Zhou Xia’s hand and said earnestly, \"Thank Uncle for me. Tell him I will definitely succeed in gathering Qi.\" ===== CHAPTER 41 =====\u003C\u002Fp>",1520,"2026-06-16T12:13:30.304Z","2026-06-16T12:23:14.066Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","c0fe3d33dd944b669fb0988e9941a42f031646179ea7a35c873bec3916d1375d","starting-with-the-diamond-exercise-to-achieve-sa-chapter-22","starting-with-the-diamond-exercise-to-achieve-sa-chapter-20",410,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-with-the-diamond-exercise-to-achieve-sa-cover.jpg"]