Chapter 54: In-laws

Having sent Meiniang away,

Cheng Feng looked around once more and then turned to head home.

As for the waiter at Hujiajiuguan,

Cheng Feng had long since shaken him off in the sea of people.

Regarding silver, aside from the thirty taels at the bottom of the box and the ten taels for Cai'er's pregnancy, there were only two taels left for household expenses.

These were all part of Cheng Feng's foundation.

Cheng Feng knew this well in his heart.

Watching the silver dwindle day by day,

Cheng Feng had to quickly find a way to earn money.

The information-gap theory that was everywhere in his past life was for the leeks.

In Great Zhou, one still had to be taught another lesson by these black-hearted shop owners.

But it could not stop the fact that it was truly useful.

As everyone knew in his past life, the little bit of knowledge about distillation found in primary school textbooks,

in an ancient world like Great Zhou, should be known to no one.

Therefore, it was an innovation unique to Cheng Feng.

This once again made Cheng Feng realize the difference.

The knowledge from his past life could also be his own unique treasure.

Cheng Feng still needed to wait quietly to unearth it.

Cheng Feng was quite grateful, even though it was a matter of chance.

But if it weren't for Shopkeeper Mei, he really might not have known he had been kept in the dark for so long.

It was evident that Shopkeeper Mei was also a sincere person.

Perhaps it was also because he had interacted with him through wine, rather than being a salesman who came to the door claiming his wine was good and asking those shop owners to appraise it.

Cheng Feng could not know everything, but that did not hinder Cheng Feng's gratitude toward Shopkeeper Mei.

When you have nowhere to turn, having someone who can give you a hand makes such unintentional help all the more precious.

In Cheng Feng's heart, a reliable partner was more important than profit.

After his Spring Dawn, he still had three other types of wine.

It seemed he still had to pull the Martial Arts Hall into this.

Cheng Feng had a plan in his heart.

At night, he continued to work hard to acquire Fortune Points.

Ever since Lian Niang gave Cheng Feng an unexpected surprise a few days ago,

Cheng Feng was not at all repulsed by these little surprises.

Instead, it was like discovering a new continent.

The Cheng Feng of the past was still a pure-hearted big boy.

But after that large sum of money,

Cheng Feng felt he had changed.

He had become wealthy, and he had also become more open.

Sure enough, there is a saying that goes well:

Money is a man's courage.

Having money means you can do whatever you want.

Having money means you can buy good products.

Cheng Feng felt he was a gentleman.

As for the educational knowledge from the island nation in his past life, Cheng Feng still did not easily bring it out to experiment.

But with the tacit cooperation of Lian Niang and Chen Min,

Cheng Feng felt he had fallen.

He also felt he had become stronger.

There were still four pills left from Yonghe Hall.

His skill, Basic Blade Technique (Entry 52/100), had also passed the halfway mark.

His kidneys were still a bit sore.

He felt the pills he bought could barely keep up with the consumption.

Two beauties with eyes like silk, excellent temperament, and curvaceous figures,

were trying to please Cheng Feng with all sorts of tricks.

This sense of anticipation hit Cheng Feng's G-spot perfectly.

Cheng Feng looked forward to these kinds of surprises.

What Cheng Feng liked was just this simple and unadorned, minimalist yet not simple.

Sometimes Cheng Feng would also come up with an idea, leaving the women to try and implement it.

Whether it would succeed was another matter!

It was just to add to his own amusement.

Before having sufficient strength,

caution and keeping a low profile were Cheng Feng's greatest magic weapons for now.

He tried his best not to let others notice him.

He must not do anything out of line himself.

Because Cheng Feng knew he did not yet have the strength to protect these things.

Meiniang's encounter only made Cheng Feng more cautious and more attentive to increasing his strength.

Cheng Feng wants both the fish and the bear's paw.

This is the choice of an adult.

After the distilled liquor came out,

Cheng Feng's heart had already eased a lot.

He was no longer so anxious.

The plan for these few days was to run to the Martial Arts Hall more often.

To probe Wang Tieshan's stance.

To see if he could protect the Mei Family Tavern.

And to get closer to his senior brothers and sisters.

To see if he could find out more information.

This is the importance of social circles.

Information held by high-level personnel is naturally not something ordinary personnel can come into contact with.

People do not interact with those of unequal status when exchanging information.

It brings me no benefit, but it brings you many benefits.

Am I a fool?

To let you come over and fleece me for free?

Cheng Feng's talent was something only Wang Tieshan had witnessed with his own eyes.

Cheng Feng himself had also expressed that he hoped his martial arts practice would indeed be difficult at the start, but the further he went, the easier it would become.

This talent, which differed from ordinary people, also made Wang Tieshan value Cheng Feng even more.

Wang Tieshan is still very protective of his own disciples.

As long as his own side is not in the wrong,

then it is useless whoever comes.

He gradually became familiar with life at the Martial Arts Hall.

He also learned a lot about the Inner Sect Disciples.

This was all thanks to the news brought by Zhang Zhuo.

Ever since they finished drinking last time, Li Mo naturally had no more news.

Zhang Zhuo was still, at Wang Tieshan's request, stationed at the Martial Arts Hall to polish himself in order to seek a breakthrough.

In the Inner Sect, Cheng Feng was most familiar with Zhang Zhuo; he had seen the Senior Sister and Second Senior Brother before, but they didn't talk much, and he hadn't really interacted with them.

The Third Senior Brother and Fourth Senior Sister had been presiding over the big picture outside the Martial Arts Hall for years, and they didn't even return for the New Year.

Only the Eighth Senior Sister had never been seen.

As for the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Senior Brothers, they were killed in their early years.

In order not to forget, Cheng Feng even made a record at home.

Senior Sister Zhao Wei, 21 (Blood Refining Perfection),

Second Senior Brother Zhang Hu, 20 (Blood Refining Perfection),

Third Senior Brother Qian Feng, 19 (Blood Refining Perfection),

Fourth Senior Sister Tian Shuang, 19 (Blood Refining Mid-Stage),

【Fifth Senior Brother died in battle, Sixth Senior Brother went missing, Seventh Senior Brother died in battle,】

Eighth Senior Sister Jin Ying, 18 (Skin Refining Initial Stage),

Ninth Senior Brother Zhang Zhuo, 18 (Skin Refining Perfection).

For Wang Tieshan, teaching one disciple is teaching, and teaching two disciples is also teaching.

Cheng Feng's progress was visible to the naked eye.

The Strength Refining and Skin Refining realms are just using techniques to slowly integrate the body's force and using techniques to train oneself to avoid injury.

The truly difficult part is the third stage.

Sensing the Qi and Blood that exists within the flow of strength.

Sensing it, controlling it, circulating it, and using it proficiently.

Only then is one considered to have initially entered the Blood Refining Realm.

Zhang Zhuo had been stuck at Skin Refining Perfection for several years.

Wang Tieshan saw it in his eyes and felt anxious in his heart.

He had instructed Zhang Zhuo many times.

This made Cheng Feng, who was listening on the side, also feel that aptitude is truly important.

He was once again glad that he had his Panmian talent.

Otherwise, his real talent would be enough to make one despair.

Every time Cheng Feng had Fortune Points, he would add them directly.

Eating his fill at home was enough to cope with the body's hunger.

Naturally, the credit of every single point could not be underestimated.

In the past, after Wang Tieshan finished teaching, he would go to the main hall to drink tea by himself.

Today, however, he brought Cheng Feng along as well.

"Xiao Feng, I have seen your progress these past few days; keep up the pace! By the middle of next month, I will announce you as my final Inner Sect Disciple. When the time comes to face opponents of the younger generation, don't you dare drop the ball," Wang Tieshan said with a smile.

Cheng Feng cupped his fists: "Naturally, I will not let Master down."

Based on the comparison with Zhang Zhuo, he was now at the Skin Refining Mid-Stage.

Cheng Feng calculated it using a percentage system.

Initial Stage, Mid-Stage, Late Stage, Perfection.

One stage equals twenty-five Fortune Points.

Cheng Feng did not know if this was correct, but he felt the difference should not be large.

His Basic Blade Technique was becoming smoother and smoother to use.

He was also sparring with Zhang Zhuo at the Martial Arts Hall at the same time.

Cheng Feng only felt that he had gained some additional combat experience.

Cheng Feng's own point-adding upgrade was very smooth.

But in a real life-or-death struggle, he might not be able to beat those with rich combat experience.

This was Wang Tieshan's original advice.

It was also a reminder to Cheng Feng that Martial Dao is not child's play.

Do not just practice dead martial arts.

One must learn to apply them flexibly.

Cheng Feng naturally knew that being able to add points to level up his skills was already quite good.

Life-or-death fighting must rely on experience.

Those who survive one fight after another can be considered experienced.

Having learned his own shortcomings.

Naturally, he wanted to find a way to make up for them.

The first thing Cheng Feng thought of was still adding points, to fully utilize his own advantage.

No matter how impressive Strength Refining is, I am at Blood Refining.

Separated by a major realm.

What are you going to use to hit me?

Relying on your face?

Saying it like that is a bit sleazy, but it really can save one's life.

The second is equipment; the Great Zhou has very strict regulations on armor, and hiding armor at home results in the punishment of three generations of one's family.

But one can have famous blades, precious artifacts, and close-fitting inner armor crafted.

Pay-to-win upgrades, after all!

The third is influence.

Have you ever seen the leader of a faction go out to fight personally?

Planning in the tent, deciding victory a thousand miles away.

There is no need to fight on the front lines oneself.

Cheng Feng can currently only rely on his first innate advantage.

The remaining two are just wishful thinking.

Do precious blades and famous weapons not cost money?

Or does building a faction not cost money?

Seeing that his master was in high spirits.

Cheng Feng struck while the iron was hot, told Wang Tieshan that a friend's tavern had received a small threat from the Green Bamboo Gang, and said cautiously: "This disciple does not want to make a big scene and bring trouble to the Martial Arts Hall, so I wanted to ask if our Martial Arts Hall's reputation could make Hall Master Zhu of the Green Bamboo Gang take a step back?"

Wang Tieshan looked at Cheng Feng with a smile that was not quite a smile: "What kind of friend is it that allows you to hoist the banner of the Martial Arts Hall to bully others under the guise of authority?"

This Closed-door Disciple of his could be considered to have extraordinary talent.

He had no other small hobbies.

He just kept a few mistresses.

Young people, after all, have vigorous vitality.

Wang Tieshan understood this too.

He just gave a light reprimand, telling Cheng Feng not to lose his ambition in material pleasures and delay his Martial Dao progress.

Moreover, practicing martial arts does indeed make a Martial Artist's Qi and Blood more turbulent.

One must find a way to vent that heat.

Some Martial Artists practice Calligraphy to calm their hearts.

Some paint or find music.

More Martial Artists find a place to have a fight.

Once some blood is shed, they settle down.

Naturally, finding women is unavoidable.

But this is just a channel for venting.

If one becomes addicted to it and neglects their Martial Dao.

That would truly be a pity.

Cheng Feng gave Wang Tieshan a perfect answer using his Martial Dao progress.

Wang Tieshan had not said anything before.

But this time, he wanted to use the Martial Arts Hall's reputation to protect a tavern he had never heard of.

Wang Tieshan was so angry he laughed.

He really didn't care about the reputation of the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall at all!

It seemed he still needed to properly instruct Cheng Feng.

Seeing his master's expression was off, Cheng Feng hurriedly recited the price, quality, and other details of the wine that Shopkeeper Mei had mentioned.

Cheng Feng even stated the profit-sharing ratio: four parts for the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall, and three parts each for Cheng Feng and the tavern.

Wang Tieshan looked at Cheng Feng with a hint of curiosity.

He hadn't expected this Closed-door Disciple to have such capabilities.

Coming from a humble background, yet having the silver to buy a house and support a woman.

Wang Tieshan had also sent people to Liujiacun to make inquiries.

It all checked out.

Cheng Feng had indeed suffered a serious illness before.

Afterward, Cheng Feng worked hard at Fishing to earn money and supplement the household, as if he had suddenly become enlightened.

The life at home had indeed been going very well.

He hadn't expected him to also know how to brew wine, with the wine produced being worth one tael for half a jin.

Was this wine really that good?

Wang Tieshan was feeling skeptical.

Cheng Feng went out and brought back the wine bottle he had stored away.

He handed it to Wang Tieshan: "Master, you will know once you taste it."

Wang Tieshan laughed: "You came prepared, didn't you!"

Cheng Feng had indeed planned to talk to his master about this matter today.

Wang Tieshan opened the bottle and took a sniff; it was indeed fragrant and pungent.

Under Cheng Feng's hopeful gaze, he took a sip.

This sip was truly excellent.

It was smooth going down, mellow in taste, and left a lingering sweetness after finishing.

Wang Tieshan also enjoyed a drink or two, but he hadn't expected the taste of this wine to be so good.

Looking at Wang Tieshan, who remained silent after finishing the wine.

Cheng Feng dared not disturb his master while he was deep in thought; his master was terrifyingly quiet at times like this.

Suddenly, Wang Tieshan asked Cheng Feng: "That friend of yours is a woman, right?"

Cheng Feng nodded.

Wang Tieshan continued to ask: "Is she easy on the eyes?"

Cheng Feng denied it: "How could I tell? She was disheveled yesterday and hadn't dressed up, so I didn't get a clear look."

"Then come back to answer me after you've seen her clearly," Wang Tieshan said decisively.

Cheng Feng did not understand the purpose of Wang Tieshan being so insistent; was it for that mouthful of wine???

Seeing that Cheng Feng truly did not understand.

Wang Tieshan sighed; his disciple was truly lucky!

Looking at the bewildered Cheng Feng, Wang Tieshan explained: "Your wine is mellow and clear; if you were to soak some medicinal herbs in it to make medicinal wine, it would have some benefits for the Strength Refining Realm.

The business would indeed be beyond reproach, but if the Green Bamboo Gang grew jealous, given the relationship between the two of you, this wine wouldn't bring her benefits, but disaster."

Cheng Feng's mind turned twice and he understood; he was a disciple of the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall, but Shopkeeper Mei was not. Borrowing the banner of the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall wouldn't stop the harassment of gangs, and they might even use despicable means like coercion and bribery, which would cause the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall to lose face.

If Shopkeeper Mei were to give him up, that would be a betrayal in a sense.

If she didn't, Shopkeeper Mei might bring trouble upon herself.

Either way, there was no winning.

Only by deepening the relationship could problems be resolved in the future.

This could turn a major issue into a minor one, and a minor one into nothing at all.

Wang Tieshan was truly an old hand in the martial world!

He had thought of so much in an instant.

It was a realm Cheng Feng had never even considered.

The realm of a Martial Artist.

He had even provided a countermeasure.

Marry Shopkeeper Mei's daughter.

Then he, Wang Tieshan, and the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall.

Would be Shopkeeper Mei's backing.

Instead of just being an Ordinary friend in a business interest.

They wouldn't have to just stand by and watch if something happened.

After understanding the crux of the matter, Cheng Feng cupped his hands: "Thank you for your guidance, Master."

Wang Tieshan waved his hand: "It's up to you how you handle the matter."

As Cheng Feng was preparing to withdraw, Wang Tieshan instructed again: "Don't take the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall too lightly; this name isn't lent out just because you ask, my life's work is precious! If you two can marry, she cannot be the Principal Wife, and being a Concubine is a bit low, just handle it as you see fit."

Cheng Feng felt a jolt in his heart; was this his master's bottom line?

Cheng Feng cupped his hands and agreed.

Wang Tieshan smiled: "Still a bit green after all."

Every teacher will take an interest in a disciple who is both talented and humble.

Furthermore, Cheng Feng's profit-sharing includes forty percent for the Martial Arts Hall, which shows that Cheng Feng still keeps the Martial Arts Hall in mind.

Wang Tieshan was still somewhat displeased in his heart; could any Tom, Dick, or Harry just share profits with the Tieshan Martial Arts Hall?

But under Cheng Feng's explanation—that Cheng Feng provides the finished products, the tavern handles sales, and the Martial Arts Hall provides protection—Wang Tieshan stopped caring.

Generally speaking, with the Martial Arts Hall's great reputation, plus the ties of marriage,

there wouldn't be anyone blind enough to come and cause trouble.

At most, killing a chicken to warn the monkeys at the beginning would save trouble in the future.

The profit-sharing is, after all, long-term.

As long as nothing goes wrong, this is basically free money, considered a tribute from Cheng Feng to the Martial Arts Hall.

Wang Tieshan was quite interested in this.

Among the disciples,

Lao Jiu Zhang Zhuo is a person from the Zhang Family; although he is the second son, he is quite talented and can also bring some business to the sect.

Lao Ba Jin Ying's family is in the blacksmithing business; his realm is not high, but the monthly tribute he gives to the Martial Arts Hall is not small.

Lao Da and Lao Er were raised by him since they were small.

Lao San and Lao Si were cultivated starting from when they were disciples.

Lao Wu, Lao Liu, and Lao Qi have already been gone for many years.

Only this newly accepted Closed-door Disciple

has no background, yet possesses extraordinary talent.

The key is that his luck is also quite good.

It even brings an extra share of benefits to the Martial Arts Hall.

Wang Tieshan is a Martial Artist,

but he is also a person.

He needs to eat, drink, and attend to bodily functions.

He needs to form cliques and band together for warmth.

He needs even more to maintain and solidify his own status and position,

so that he won't be toppled by those who come after him.

Silver, martial power, interpersonal relationships—

they are like a stable triangle,

connecting every single person.

Shopkeeper Mei has some silver but no martial power, influence, or even support.

Cheng Feng has silver and practices martial power, but lacks a circle of high-level interpersonal relationships.

His information is blocked.

Wang Tieshan has all of them, but he needs silver even more to maintain his status and relationships.

Everyone has their own advantages and disadvantages.

Everyone has their own needs.

No one can escape this great web.

It was the same for Cheng Feng in his past life.

But in a society ruled by law, with the internet, one wouldn't suddenly disappear without a trace.

If one earned a little money, one could feed oneself and the whole family would be full.

But in Great Zhou, famine, war, and plague—the scope of involvement is so wide, and the number of people affected so great.

For an Ordinary person, even a minor ailment,

if they want to survive, they have to sell their sons and daughters.

An Ordinary family cannot withstand the storms.

The experiences of the women around Cheng Feng tell of all this.

Cheng Feng can only say:

The bigger the storm, the more expensive the fish.