Chapter 95: Piercing the Heavens

Jiang Cheng didn't even see how the opponent struck, and a hand seized his shoulder, like a mountain pressing down, rendering him unable to move.

"Jiang Shidi, don't be nervous."

Zeng Zhiten said from beside them, "Master, the old man is checking your bones; it might hurt a bit, just endure it."

Jiang Cheng nodded.

The old man's hand reached for the other shoulder, then the back, then the leg.

Jiang Cheng grew increasingly nervous inside.

He had heard that cultivating requires innate talent, which basically refers to one's bones and comprehension.

He didn't know how his original body's bones were.

It probably couldn't be some unparalleled prodigy, right?

Soon, the old man withdrew his hand and shook his head.

In that instant, Jiang Cheng felt a thud in his heart.

Even Senior Brother Zeng's complexion changed.

"Bones are average."

The old man gave a four‑character assessment.

"Master, Jiang Shidi's comprehension is quite good," Zeng Zhiten hurriedly said.

The old man glanced at him, then looked at Jiang Cheng and said, "Kid, you go down first."

"Yes, Gym Master."

Jiang Cheng took a deep breath, neither pleading nor angry, thanked Zeng Zhiten, then turned, opened the door, stepped out, and quietly closed it behind him.

After a short while, the sound of footsteps descending came from outside.

"Master."

Zeng Zhiten grew a bit urgent, "Jiang Shidi's bones are average, but his comprehension is truly excellent. Don't you often say that bones set the lower bound and comprehension the upper bound? Jiang Shidi is progressing so fast that even if he practices Secret Martial Arts, he will likely master it."

"Precisely because of that, I cannot take him as a disciple."

The old man, hands behind his back, walked to the front of the sofa.

"Why?"

"That kid carries too much murderous aura."

"Murderous aura?"

Zeng Zhiten was startled.

"Your kung fu is not refined enough, so of course you can't sense it."

The old man turned his head, glanced at him, "But when he entered, I immediately sensed that thick murderous aura on him!"

"W-what does that mean?"

Zeng Zhiten opened his mouth.

"In plain terms, that kid has killed people, and not just one or two—at least double‑digit numbers."

"What!"

Zeng Zhiten's complexion changed dramatically.

Jiang Shidi has killed people?

And at least a dozen? Could be dozens?

This? This? It's hard for him to reconcile the usually sincere, courteous Jiang Shidi with a blood‑thirsty, merciless murderer.

"No, that's impossible, Master. Could you be mistaken?"

"Heh."

The old man looked at him disdainfully, "Kid, I've walked more roads than you've crossed bridges; what kind of person haven't I seen? You all have been pampered for too long, forgetting what this area was like decades ago; people's minds have turned into pig brains."

"Master, I haven't forgotten."

Zeng Zhiten said.

When the Jiao Tribe arrived, they soon enacted the Martial Arts Ban, which the Governor's Office strongly supported, eventually provoking people's rebellion; both sides fought for decades, and naturally the Jiao Tribe emerged victorious.

"Forgetting is also a good thing."

The old man sighed, lying on the sofa. "Those Rebel Armies, this league, that alliance—on the surface they chant ideology, but inside they're all business. Over these decades, how many lives have they ruined? Is it useful? The Jiao Tribe still stays there, living better than anyone. For us, living our own lives is more important than anything; let those on the ancestral star think about reclaiming lost lands and restoring glory."

"Also, that kid you just brought, without even learning Secret Martial Arts, has already killed so many. If he learns Secret Martial Arts from me, won't he pierce the heavens? Then we might get entangled. After struggling to find a place to settle in old age, I, the old man, don't want to keep running around."

"Sorry, Master, I didn't consider everything," Zeng Zhiten quickly bowed.

"That has nothing to do with you."

The old man waved his hand.

"Remember to keep your distance from that kid; he's not a cheap lantern. When his Senior Member term expires this month, don't let him renew—find another place. My Flying Eagle Martial Arts Hall doesn't need this one Senior Member."

"Yes, Master."

Zeng Zhiten nodded, sighing inwardly.

He hadn't expected this outcome.

However, the Master was indeed correct; they opened a Martial Arts Hall simply to run a steady business, not to fight and kill.

If the Master's words are true, then that Jiang Shidi truly is a hidden threat.

"Alright, if there's nothing else, leave. By the way, don't go blabbing those things to that kid."

"Disciple understands."

Zeng Zhiten went downstairs, only to find Jiang Cheng waiting for him at the second‑floor staircase.

A complex expression flashed in his eyes.

It seemed Jiang Shidi was still unwilling, waiting here on purpose.

Also, it's just human nature.

But just thinking about this Jiang Shidi in front of him, who kills people like hemp, he feels somewhat unaccustomed and instinctively wants to distance himself.

Senior Brother Zeng.

Jiang Shidi, sorry, I...

"Senior Brother Zeng doesn't need to apologize to me," Jiang Cheng said with a smile: "Earlier, when Senior Brother Zeng wanted to take me up to see the Gym Master, he said I would only get one chance, and whether I succeed depends on myself. So, although this result is not as desired, it has nothing to do with Senior Brother Zeng; on the contrary, I still want to thank Senior Brother Zeng."

Zeng Zhiten stared, "So Jiang Shidi, you waited here just to thank me?"

Mm.

Jiang Cheng nodded, "Senior Brother Zeng, it's getting late, I'll head back now, see you tomorrow."

Okay, okay.

Zeng Zhiten watched Jiang Cheng's decisive departing back, feeling somewhat uneasy.

"This Jiang Shidi doesn't look like a bad person, huh? Could he really be the murderous maniac my master spoke of?"

He shook his head.

Forget it, thinking about this is pointless; Master already said he won't collect his membership fee next month.

Life is like that; many come and go, and after seeing many, one gets used to it.

……

Jiang Cheng walked home, his mood naturally low, even lacking the thought to eat.

I had thought I had finally secured an opportunity, only to end up with great disappointment.

What should I do next? Stay and try to move him? Or go elsewhere to look for opportunities? Like the other two martial arts halls?

Jiang Cheng felt his mind in a tangle.

Xiao Cheng, Xiao Cheng.

Until a voice sounded beside him, Jiang Cheng came to his senses, realizing he had actually arrived at his doorstep, with a man in his thirties standing nearby, looking at him.

Xiao Cheng, are you alright?

The other party spoke.

I'm fine.

Jiang Cheng shook his head; he recognized this person, who lived not far from his home, and had once come to borrow money, only to be naturally refused.

Thus he spoke first: "Shi Dage, I really have no money on me; I need to pay the membership fee in a few days, and I'm worried about it."

Shi Yan's expression changed, he looked around, gritted his teeth and said: "Xiao Cheng, I didn't come this time to borrow money from you; I want to make a deal with you!"

(End of chapter)