Chapter 30: The Tianjing Martial Arts Family

"Yo, to receive praise from our family's goddess, which side did the sun rise from today? Tell me, what happened?" Dita laughed.

"It's nothing, Tianjing is great, it gave me a lot of feelings. The birthplace of humanity is just different; this depth is something we on the Moon don't have."

"Oh, so you've had a change of heart? I heard you went to Tianjing Martial Arts. The level of that academy is just so-so. With so many top-tier academies in the NUP and so many experts, why go there specifically? What does this have to do with music?" Dita asked curiously. In fact, the news that A Youyou needed inspiration for a theme song for Martial Arts was no secret on the Moon; many people had volunteered, and of course, those "many people" were quite significant figures.

"It's different. The NUP has its own characteristics, but ours is too flashy, a bit too high-brow for the common taste. My music and MV need to be more grounded, to seek out the desires and pursuits of ordinary people more, as well as the parts of Martial Arts that truly move our hearts. That Puppet is very interesting; I watched it today, did you?" A Youyou lay on the bed, wearing only a cute pair of pajamas, her small feet wiggling restlessly; clearly, she was still very excited inside.

"Don't even mention it, Feynman is about to go autistic. This guy adds extra training every day, and I'm worried he won't be able to hold up." Dita shook her head helplessly.

"Oh, is he that amazing? Doesn't our NUP represent the highest standard?" A Youyou asked curiously.

"This person can no longer be described as just 'amazing.' If he really is a Martial Arts student from the USE, then there will be a powerful opponent in this year's S11. His close-combat level is very strong, it's S-rank. Of course, we are very strong, and we will definitely win if we face him, but this person is an opponent." Dita was still full of confidence.

The performance in Martial Arts depends on the opponent. She could see many details, but she wouldn't belittle herself. The reason she valued him wasn't because of his operation, but because of the details, especially his calmness and steadiness in harsh environments; this is a precious combat quality.

"Wow, he's that amazing? If only we could find this person, I feel like there must be a story behind him!" A Youyou said.

"Why are you interested in this person? Does creation have anything to do with this? Although his operation is not bad, we have people much stronger than him. If you say one word, I think Maxis and the others would definitely come running," Dita couldn't help but laugh; the charm of her cousin was truly too great.

"It's not that. We aren't in the same field. Strength is only one aspect. I need a story. Don't you think he's very special? Mysterious, powerful, and very individualistic."

Dita couldn't help but laugh, "I don't understand what you really want. Puppet's battle yesterday has already attracted the attention of experts. ROM lost a lot of face there, they won't just let it go. He won't be able to hide this level for long. There are only a handful of people on Earth who are skilled in the Armor Series; once he encounters a familiar opponent, he will still be recognized. By then, you might be disappointed."

Mystery brings anticipation and fantasy, but Dita knew very well that this kind of thing wouldn't go far in EMP.

"Perhaps, but I feel like he will keep winning." A Youyou wiggled her fair, tender little feet, her onion-like toes dancing restlessly.

A day full of happiness began.

This afternoon, he had to visit Wuzang's home. Li Hao bought some fruit; the proper etiquette had to be observed. It was just that he was a bit worried, because Ma Long had said that having a girlfriend costs money; he couldn't just go out eating, drinking, and strolling without spending a dime.

Just as Li Hao was worrying, he received an email on his Skycom. It wasn't from Bleem—that thing really ruined his mood, at least Li Hao didn't want to receive anything from it during this time, especially something inexplicable.

It was an official email from EMP. In view of "Puppet's" excellent performance, EMP invited Puppet to participate in the EMP Streamer Project and offered two plans: one was for Puppet to be a streamer himself, and the other was for Puppet to authorize EMP to officially broadcast his matches.

Li Hao had no interest in being a streamer; it seemed he would also have to apply to the school, which was very troublesome. The second option was doable. After seeing the earnings, Li Hao grinned.

A guaranteed monthly income of ten thousand, and at the same time, he would receive bonuses based on the streaming results and gifts.

He couldn't control the bonuses, but the ten thousand was solid. Especially since they would prepay ten thousand upon signing—what was he waiting for!

Li Hao signed decisively. Five minutes later, a clatter—that was the sound of money coming in. Sigh, it was indescribably pleasant.

Ding-dong.

"Senior, do you have time this afternoon? My plans were canceled."

Seeing A Youyou's message, Li Hao almost jumped up with excitement, "Aiyouyou, I'm going to a classmate's house to hang out this afternoon, do you want to come along?"

"It's A Youyou, not Aiyouyou. If it's not an inconvenience, I would be very happy to."

"Alright, I'll tell Wuzang. His family is an Ancient Martial Arts Family, they have very unique characteristics."

"Then that's a bother."

This matter was confirmed quickly. Wuzang was of course fine with it, but he was also very curious why Hao Ge would bring a girl... bringing a few guys would be more normal.

On the other side, A Youyou was also very happy. There are policies above and countermeasures below. It was called a small fan meeting, but as long as the news was released, it would be big news. Security, publicity, and all sorts of other matters were enough to keep Su Yu busy. The key was that a whole bunch of social relations still needed to be balanced; it was impossible for her to be distracted and manage A Youyou.

Of course, the bodyguards were still guarding the door.

But she underestimated A Youyou. The bodyguards changed shifts every hour, and one of the bodyguards had a habit of smoking. His nicotine addiction was a bit strong, and he would go to the hallway to sneak a smoke. It took at most one or two minutes, but that was enough for A Youyou to sneak out. If it were a special period, the other party would endure it, but in the current situation, there was nothing going on, so he definitely couldn't resist.

And A Youyou seized this opportunity and slipped away in a flash.

As soon as she walked out of the hotel lobby, the feeling was like a bird out of a cage, completely set free; even the air tasted sweet.

Fellow wealthy person Li Hao felt that his back was especially straight today; he could afford to treat A Youyou to the city rail.

However, Li Hao lost this opportunity; Wuzang's family had already had their driver waiting for them at the school gate.

Although Wuzang wasn't as flashy as Ma Long, if you really counted it up, Wuzang was the true, proper rich second generation, with a heritage spanning several generations; it was just that he wasn't interested in any of that.

Zuo Xiaotang's family was also middle-class, and he was usually very frugal, only spending money on merchandise and figures. That stuff made even Li Hao's heart ache; it was ridiculously expensive. Of course, Li Hao also had his own confidence; he would definitely get rich. After all, poverty doesn't last three generations, and it was his turn.

Sitting in the car, A Youyou also let out a sigh of relief. She was truly afraid of being taken back halfway, "Senior, will it be very abrupt for me to go like this?"

"Not at all, Wuzang is very hospitable. Besides, we are friends, right..." Li Hao was slightly unsure.

"Of course." A Youyou smiled very happily; her heart-shaped little mouth was truly beautiful beyond compare.

Li Hao calmed down. He felt like he was possessed. Analyzing it completely calmly and objectively, A Youyou couldn't be considered a great beauty, so why did he feel she was so beautiful? Could it be that he was in heat?

Ahem, that shouldn't be it. How could matters of the Spirit be considered being in heat?!

With a private car, the two chatted all the way. As a veteran worker, he had ridden his little electric scooter through every street and alley; there was truly nowhere in Tianjing, whether it was the noble district or the slums, that he wasn't familiar with.

The car left the city and drove for another half hour before arriving at the destination. It was a quiet manor, surrounded by dense vegetation and green water. It was truly a good place, much more spectacular than he had imagined.

The gate opened, and the car drove inside for another ten minutes. What came into view was an antique-style mansion. Wuzang was already waiting at the door, and he was quite happy to see Li Hao and A Youyou.

"Damn, Wuzang, is your family this rich? Come, let me introduce you. This is my friend, and also our junior, A Youyou. Wuzang, my buddy."

"Rich? It's passed down from our ancestors. Grandfather likes quiet, I don't usually live here. Welcome, please come in." Clearly, Wuzang rarely had friends visit here; this was also the first time.

The furnishings in the spacious hall were antique, in a Chinese retro style. If they were genuine, they would all be antiques. Even Li Hao, who didn't understand such things, could see a sense of presence; this layout was very particular.

A Youyou was also very interested, "Such furniture and decorations are very rare. They must have a history of about a hundred years, right?"

"I don't really understand either. They shouldn't be a hundred years old; they're all thousands of years old," Wuzang said.

The butler served tea to the three of them. Wuzang was a bit embarrassed, "Hao Ge, this time it's my grandfather who wants to see you. If he has any excessive requests, don't take it to heart; just refuse him decisively."

"Ah, what's wrong?" Li Hao was stunned.

"I mentioned to my grandfather that we lost our sparring match, and he insisted on seeing you," Wuzang said, a bit embarrassed.

"Psh, what kind of loss was that? It was just a spar. You must have been afraid of hurting me and didn't use your full strength. There's nothing to talk about there," Li Hao laughed it off.

"Young friend, excessive humility is pride." At this moment, an old man with snow-white hair but a spirited and ruddy complexion walked out. He kept sizing up Li Hao, his eyes full of scrutiny. When he saw A Youyou, he was slightly taken aback, but didn't pay much attention.

"My name is Wu Xun. Although this kid Wuzang's skills aren't great, he doesn't exaggerate. To be able to beat him, your skills must have some unique aspects. This old man has no other hobbies, I just like interacting with young people. How about this, I won't beat around the bush: accompany this old man and play a few rounds, shall we spar?" Wu Xun said.

"Grandfather, I have a friend who just arrived, you this..." But seeing Wu Xun glare, Wuzang didn't dare to speak and could only signal to Li Hao with his eyes.

Li Hao looked at Wu Xun. The other party was quite old, but his whole body was overflowing with surging vitality and energy. For some families who mastered the power of Ancient Martial Arts, gene technology was equivalent to a key to open a mysterious door; they had indeed obtained better ways to use their power, complementing each other.

Li Hao had only heard of it, but he was actually quite interested.

"I ask for your guidance, Senior."

"Good, I like straightforward young people. Change your clothes; I will wait for you at the Dojo."

A Youyou, standing to the side, was also very happy, "Senior, be careful in a moment; make sure not to hurt the old man."

(Thanks to brothers "Dajiushin 101" and "Demon Lord Liuxing" for their sharp reviews; they summarized the emotions of the Storm Trilogy perfectly, I was firmly pinned down ^_^)

This installment is a bit different; the characters who appear all have some hidden motives and backgrounds. Of course, I won't do anything cruel; I just want to make human nature as realistic and complete as possible.

As for that big brother who made all the female characters disappear... rolling around in a Mecha all day will make you bend. Whether it's the combat direction, the emotional direction, or the opponent direction, this installment has a different transformation compared to the previous ones. Of course, whether you like it or not, you bosses will have to judge for yourselves.)