Chapter 43: Joining

Why?

Jiang Cheng asked.

There are two reasons.

Zhao Xiangyu extended his index finger, "First, although our Martial Arts Hall teaches self‑defense techniques, its striking techniques lack precision, and the other side outnumbers us. If a fight actually broke out, the members would surely take the loss. Even if we later locate those people, they are very unlikely to provide sufficient compensation. Our Hall might offer a small reimbursement, but it would be very limited. Risking injury over a petty dispute isn't worth it; it's better to step back, especially since our Hall will cover it."

And the second point?

The second point, to be honest, is also for the sake of our Martial Arts Hall.

Zhao Xiangyu said truthfully, "People who once obtained Senior Member status here, when they encounter thugs or members of the Wild Wolf Gang, rely on their Membership Card to provoke, even to attack the other side."

We can understand that feeling, but most people's true intention is to use our Hall as a tool for revenge, to vent their anger.

Such behavior drains a great amount of our Hall's manpower and resources and drags us into danger; after all, we are a Martial Arts Hall that does business, not a gang that fights daily.

Therefore we have set a rule: only when you present your Membership Card, have not deliberately provoked, and your personal or property safety is harmed will our Hall pursue the matter fully and give the member a satisfactory explanation,

In other cases, the Hall will decide based on circumstances. Of course, members should not try to conceal or lie to slip through; in this regard, our Hall has ample experience.

After speaking, Zhao Xiangyu gave Jiang Cheng a friendly smile.

I understand.

Jiang Cheng nodded.

The member status of the Martial Arts Hall does not wield as much influence as imagined and is rather passive.

Thinking of using the Hall as a backstage to cause trouble everywhere is definitely overthinking.

The only fear is comparison.

Paying the Wild Wolf Gang is less a management fee than outright extortion; during the day, ill‑intented people loiter in the area, and at night it gets even worse.

As for the Flying Eagle Martial Arts Hall, it offers a guarantee, though with conditions.

Fortunately, he doesn't want to stir trouble; if others don't provoke him, he won't provoke himself, and even if not for his own sake, he must think of his family.

"Brother Zhao, since that's the case, I'll purchase a one‑month Senior Member subscription."

Zhao Xiangyu's eyes lit up, and he smiled, "Mr. Jiang, are you sure? The Senior Member fee is 5,000 yuan per month, but once purchased you won't have to pay a single cent to the Wild Wolf Gang, and you can learn many things here. In addition, we provide hot‑water showers and many daily conveniences."

Though he verbally urged Jiang Cheng to consider it further, he was in fact emphasizing all the benefits of becoming a Senior Member.

"I've already thought it through before coming."

Jiang Cheng smiled.

"Alright, Mr. Jiang, please wait a moment; I'll fetch the contract. You can read it slowly later, ask about anything unclear, and if you decide, just sign the contract."

Zhao Xiangyu smiled, stood up, and left; a short while later he returned with a contract.

Not only that, he also poured a glass of water for Jiang Cheng.

Jiang Cheng said thank you and carefully examined the contract's terms, paying special attention to any fine print.

Fortunately, the Flying Eagle Martial Arts Hall didn't employ such tricks; the font size is uniform.

After spending almost ten minutes reading, Jiang Cheng nodded.

The terms listed match, more or less, what Brother Zhao just said.

"Finished reading?"

Zhao Xiangyu sat opposite.

Jiang Cheng stared for ten minutes; he waited ten minutes without saying a word.

At this moment, seeing Jiang Cheng look at him, he smiled and asked, "Is there anything unclear?"

"Brother Zhao, you explained clearly; I just need to sign on the top, right?"

"Yes, after signing I'll take you to pay. Once the payment is done, you become our Hall's Senior Member and can enjoy all Senior Member privileges," Zhao Xiangyu smiled. "Alright, then I'll trouble you, Brother Zhao."

"No trouble, it's my duty."

Zhao Xiangyu picked up the contract and led Jiang Cheng to an office.

It took a quarter of an hour, and finally all procedures were completed.

Compared with before arriving, Jiang Cheng now holds a black Senior Member card bearing his photo and the dates 9.24‑10.23, valid for one month.

If the card expires, possessing it is useless.

He also received two sets of the Hall's white training robes.

Leaving the room, Zhao Xiangyu's demeanor became more friendly, and his address changed: "Junior Brother Jiang, have you trained before?"

As he said so, he glanced behind Jiang Cheng, intentionally or not.

"I practiced the Short Staff for a few years, but only trained alone," Jiang Cheng said.

"No wonder."

Zhao Xiangyu laughed, "Senior Brother Zeng excels at Staff Technique; Jiang Junior Brother can consult him more later. But first, you should solidify the basics, start with fundamental postural drills. Once your lower stance is stable, practice our Hall's Flying Eagle Fist. If you still have energy then, you may also pick one or two handy weapons."

"I see."

Jiang Cheng thought to himself that this whole program would take at least two or three years to get started.

A Senior Member costs 5,000 per month, 60,000 a year; it's truly unaffordable for ordinary people.

Fortunately, his Proficient Panel can greatly shorten the time.

"We've arrived."

Zhao Xiangyu suddenly said.

Jiang Cheng only then realized he had stepped onto the second floor.

Compared with the first floor, the second floor is more spacious, better equipped, but far fewer people; only five or six can be seen.

Mostly men, with only one woman.

"Eh? Is that you?"

The short‑haired woman in a white training robe, upon seeing Jiang Cheng, showed an expression of disbelief.

Jiang Cheng also recognized that short‑haired woman.

It was the person who came to his stall yesterday to eat Roasted Sweet Potato, apparently called something Li.

"Sun Xiaoli, do you know Jiang Shidi?" Zhao Xiangyu asked curiously.

"Not really knowing him, just have seen him. He sells Roasted Sweet Potato on the street; yesterday Bai Shijie took me to eat it, the taste was quite good."

Sun Xiaoli finished speaking and smiled at Jiang Cheng.

The few people around, hearing that, looked at each other, a bit puzzled.

A street vendor selling Roasted Sweet Potato could actually afford a Senior Member?

"So Jiang Shidi also has this skill," Zhao Xiangyu said with a smile. "In a couple of days I'll definitely go try your craft."

"Would love to."

Jiang Cheng smiled.

"Then it's settled."

Zhao Xiangyu turned around, looked at the few people in front of him, "Everyone, let me introduce you: this is Jiang Cheng Jiang Shidi, it's his first time joining our Martial Arts Hall, Hope everyone can take good care of him later. Jiang Shidi, these are the Old Men of our Martial Arts Hall, all skilled; if you have any problems later, you can ask us, or you can also go to them."

(End of chapter)