Chapter 326: with translation of chapter title

332. Chapter 332: Probing

"Is this what you mean?"

Lin Ke's gaze swept past the boisterous refined youth and landed on the man behind him, who was slowly entering the private room, dressed in formal attire, his hair slicked back, exuding the aura of a third‑generation godfather. He asked calmly.

"You……"

The refined youth, seeing himself ignored, immediately grew angry and was about to burst out in a tirade.

The middle‑aged man lightly tapped the refined youth's shoulder and reminded him in a light tone: "Awen, restrain your anger."

The refined youth called Awen obediently regained his composure and stepped aside.

The middle‑aged man stepped forward two paces, pulled out a chair, sat down without ceremony, and said leisurely: "To come uninvited is indeed rude; I have offended Director Shi and Young Hero Lin, for which I am deeply sorry."

As he spoke, the middle‑aged man picked up a glass of white liquor poured by a subordinate, tilted his head back and drained it: "Let me offer you both an apology."

He inverted the cup to show it was empty, his sincerity evident.

The middle‑aged man continued: "Now, let's talk business, how about that?"

Senior Brother Shi did not rush to speak, but turned his head to look at his own junior.

Logically, as the senior elder brother who has run a martial arts hall in the provincial capital for many years, he should be the one to face the middle‑aged man.

However, Senior Brother Shi fully trusted his junior's character and ability, and without reservation showed before outsiders his junior's status and authority.

Lin Ke first gave Senior Brother Shi a slight nod to show respect, then coolly met the middle‑aged man's probing gaze and asked in a chilling tone: "Mr. Wei, are you here to give me a veiled threat, to let me know that without your permission I can't even eat a meal in peace?"

Mr. Wei, that is the middle‑aged man, gave a hehe laugh: "Where? Young Hero Lin, you've misunderstood. I am merely a modest businessman, relying on the support of many friends to run my enterprises. How could I dare give a veiled threat to Young Hero Lin, who single‑handedly grew the Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall to its present scale? I am actually eager to befriend Young Hero Lin and seek his guidance—I haven't even had the chance yet."

Senior Brother Shi's eyes narrowed at once upon hearing that.

These words seemed to praise Lin Ke, but actually harbored ill intent.

First, it shows that Wei has investigated the Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall thoroughly; second, it attempts to sow discord.

Master Li had no son; according to jianghu custom, the successor of the Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall is essentially the senior elder brother, Shi Gandang.

In fact, the senior elder brother's authority and status within the hall have lately been lower than that of the eighth junior brother, Lin Ke.

If a narrower‑minded person were in Senior Brother Shi's position, he would very likely come into conflict with Lin Ke, even becoming enemies.

However, Senior Brother Shi's choice was to step aside, retreat to the provincial capital, and let Lin Ke act freely.

Wei Hanshan, that is the middle‑aged man, harbors a heart deserving of punishment.

The 'sight' technique of an early‑stage practitioner of the Human‑Immortal Martial Unity realm was naturally employed.

A powerful mental pressure projected through his eyes, following his gaze straight toward Wei Hanshan.

If Wei Hanshan were truly just an ordinary businessman as he claimed, under this mental pressure he would already have knelt on the ground.

However, he sat there steady and unshaken, only his face turning slightly pale, yet he endured it.

"Senior brother, please stay calm."

Lin Ke lightly patted Senior Brother Shi's instinctively clenched fist and offered a word of advice.

Only then did Senior Brother Shi withdraw his mental pressure, no longer pressing Wei Hanshan.

"Huh……"

Wei Hanshan let out a long sigh, inwardly lamenting that mechanical martial arts still lagged in the mastery and application of essence, energy, and spirit.

Lin Ke then looked at Wei Hanshan and said lightly: "I dare not accept the role of advisor, but if you have time we could exchange views on the direction of mechanical development and the trends of technological change."

"Great!"

Wei Hanshan clapped his hands once and exclaimed, "If we could cooperate with the Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall represented by Young Hero Lin, that would be even better."

Lin Ke smiled faintly: "As the saying goes, like‑mindedness is needed; if our ideas differ, there is no basis for cooperation."

"Seek common ground while reserving differences."

Wei Hanshan did not easily retreat, repeatedly trying: "Young Hero Lin is not someone who simply rejects machinery."

"Seek common ground while reserving differences?"

Lin Ke's lips curled with a hint of mockery: "Machinery and mechanical martial arts are two different matters. Moreover…"

As he spoke, Lin Ke's eyes turned cold, his whole demeanor instantly becoming gloomy: "I disdain to cooperate with anyone who uses underhanded tactics against a girl who has seen little of the world."

"'What underhanded tactics? Speak clearly, don't indulge in innuendo here, pointing at mulberry trees while cursing locust trees!'"

The refined youth standing behind the middle‑aged man Wei Hanshan could no longer bear it, pointing at Lin Ke's nose, furious and shouting angrily.

"A crack sounded."

Everyone in the private room failed to react in time.

The refined youth's right index finger, which he was pointing at Lin Ke, had already been snapped back.

Meanwhile, Lin Ke remained seated in the chair, seemingly unmoving.

"Uh……ah!"

After a stunned moment, the refined youth then let out a cry of pain.

"'Young Hero Lin, you've gone too far!'"

Wei Hanshan's face darkened, his tone holding back anger.

Seeing his son's finger snapped back right before his eyes truly made him very displeased.

But the opponent's move was so fast that not even an afterimage appeared; he himself had not reacted at all, and could not see how it was done.

Is this really just a rumored peak‑stage Condensing Truth realm martial artist?

Wei Hanshan dared not imagine whether, if the opponent had been aiming at him just now, he could have survived the attack.

Thus, even if his inner fury blazed, Wei Hanshan dared not vent it loudly, nor dare to retaliate on the spot.

"'Too much? I don't think so.'"

Lin Ke picked up a white napkin and slowly wiped his right‑hand fingers, as if he had touched something dirty, and said in a flat tone: "You barged into the private room, that's rude; after entering, your son pointed his finger at me, also rude; not knowing how to behave, yet still pointing your finger at me is the utmost rudeness. Mr. Wei, fortunately your son met me, and only had a finger snapped back, which can be reattached when he goes home. If he had met someone with a hot temper, a beating would be light; he might even lose his life. What do you say, Mr. Wei?"

Wei Hanshan's face clouded and cleared unpredictably upon hearing that.

A moment later, Wei Hanshan stood up, slapped the refined young man hard across the face, and snapped, "Why haven't you thanked Young Hero Lin for his advice?"

Translation: "Moments later, Wei Hanshan rose, slapped the scholarly youth hard across the face, and snapped: 'Haven't you thanked Young Hero Lin for his advice yet?'"

We need to keep the quote marks? The source uses Chinese quotes 「」. We can keep English quotes. We'll use double quotes.

Thus: "Moments later, Wei Hanshan rose, slapped the scholarly youth hard across the face, and snapped: \"Haven't you thanked Young Hero Lin for his advice yet? \""

But we need to keep it as a single line. Ensure no line breaks.

The refined young man covered his right cheek, where a clear palm-print red mark had formed, with his left hand; his eyes were full of disbelief as he looked at Wei Hanshan, then he turned his head away and stubbornly resisted in silence.

Translation: "The scholarly youth covered his right cheek, where a clear palm print had formed, with his left hand, his eyes full of disbelief as he looked at Wei Hanshan, then turned his head away, stubbornly resisting in silence."

We need to keep meaning.

Another slap sounded.

Translation: "Another slap sounded."

Wei Hanshan backhanded a slap across the refined young man's left cheek, saying, "I said, thank Young Hero Lin."

Translation: "Wei Hanshan backhanded a slap across the scholarly youth's left cheek: 'I said, apologize to Young Hero Lin.'"

The refined young man clenched his teeth hard, enduring the pain and injustice, his voice trembling with tears, he bowed to Lin Ke and said, "Thank you, Young Hero Lin, for your advice."

Translation: "The scholarly youth clenched his teeth hard, enduring the pain and humiliation, his voice trembling with tears, he bowed to Lin Ke: 'Thank you, Young Hero Lin, for your advice.'"

"You're welcome."

Translation: "\"You're welcome. \""

Lin Ke waved his hand and said, "Go get some ice packs to apply to your face; it looks really painful."

Translation: "Lin Ke waved his hand: \"Go get some ice to put on your face; it looks really painful. \""

"Why don't you go quickly?"

Translation: "\"What are you waiting for? \""

Seeing the refined young man lower his head, Wei Hanshan glared at Lin Ke with a sinister gaze and shouted again.

Translation: "Seeing the scholarly youth lower his head, Wei Hanshan fixed Lin Ke with a sinister glare and snapped again."

Only then did the refined young man, bearing a swollen, red face, leave the private room.

Translation: "Only then did the scholarly youth, bearing a red, swollen face, leave the private room."

"Young Hero Lin, thank you for disciplining my unworthy son. My son's poor upbringing has caused you embarrassment; I am truly sorry."

Translation: "\"Young Hero Lin, thank you for disciplining my son. My son is poorly educated, causing you embarrassment; I'm truly sorry. \""

Wei Hanshan acted as if he had received a great favor from Lin Ke, repeatedly thanking and apologizing, completely forgetting that he had brought people to barge into the private room; his true intention was merely to give Lin Ke a show of force, so that Lin Ke would not investigate Li Sisi's early romance any further.

Wei Hanshan acted as if he had received a great favor from Lin Ke, repeatedly thanking and apologizing, completely forgetting that he had brought people to barge into the private room; his true intention was merely to give Lin Ke a show of force, so that Lin Ke would not investigate Li Sisi's early romance any further.

Meaning: Wei Hanshan acted as if he had received a great favor from Lin Ke, repeatedly thanking and apologizing, completely forgetting that he had brought people to barge into the private room; his real intention was actually to give Lin Ke a show of force, to prevent Lin Ke from deeply investigating the matter of Li Sisi's early romance.

Thus translation: "Wei Hanshan behaved as if he had received an enormous favor from Lin Ke, repeatedly thanking and apologizing, utterly forgetting that he had brought people to storm the private room; his true intention was merely to give Lin Ke a show of force, to keep Lin Ke from delving deeper into Li Sisi's early romance."

We need to keep "Li Sisi" as Li Sisi.

Thus: "Wei Hanshan behaved as if he had received an enormous favor from Lin Ke, repeatedly thanking and apologizing, utterly forgetting that he had brought people to storm the private room; his true intention was merely to give Lin Ke a show of force, to keep Lin Ke from delving deeper into Li Sisi's early romance."

His ability to change faces quickly and thoroughly is no surprise for a ruthless person who built a large industrial conglomerate from scratch.

Translation: "To change face so quickly and thoroughly—no wonder he's a ruthless man capable of building a large-scale industrial empire from nothing."

Lin Ke then looked solemnly at Wei Hanshan and said seriously, "Mr. Wei, you know perfectly well why I came to the provincial capital. I advise you: for many matters, if you didn't do them, don't take the blame; otherwise you'll end up as a scapegoat."

Translation: "Lin Ke then looked solemnly at Wei Hanshan and said seriously: 'Mr. Wei, you know full well why I've come to the provincial capital. I advise you: for many things, if you didn't do them, don't stick your neck out for others. Otherwise, you'll end up not coming out ahead but becoming a scapegoat.'"

Wei Hanshan's face stiffened, then he gave a hesitant chuckle and said, "Young Hero Lin, I've always been amiable and profit‑seeking, never making enemies; how could I do something so foolish?"

Translation: "Wei Hanshan's face stiffened, then he chuckled: 'Young Hero Lin, I've always been harmonious and profit-seeking, never making enemies—how could I do something so foolish?'"

"Really?"

Translation: "\"Really? \""

Lin Ke gave no comment, just a light acknowledgment.

Translation: "Lin Ke gave no comment, merely responding with a faint acknowledgment."

Wei Hanshan didn't continue the topic, poured himself a full cup of baijiu, raised it, and said solemnly, "Tonight it's all my fault for disturbing Master Shi and Young Hero Lin; I apologize to both of you."

Translation: "Wei Hanshan didn't pursue the topic further, poured himself a full cup of white wine, raised it, and said solemnly: 'Tonight is all my fault for disturbing Hall Master Shi and Young Hero Lin; I apologize to both of you.'"

Having said that, he tilted his head back and downed the full cup, about three taels of baijiu, in one gulp.

Translation: "Having said that, he tipped his head back and drained the full cup—about three liang of white wine—in one gulp."

After setting down the cup, Wei Hanshan said, "I won't disturb you any further; I'll cover tonight's expenses for both of you as compensation."

Translation: "Setting down the cup, Wei Hanshan said: 'I won't continue to disturb you; I'll cover tonight's expenses for both of you as compensation.'"

Having said that, he didn't wait for Senior Brother Shi and Lin Ke to reply, turned and left.

Translation: "Having said that, he turned and left without waiting for Senior Brother Shi and Lin Ke to reply."

Soon the private room contained only Senior Brother Shi, Lin Ke, and the martial arts hall disciples who failed to stop Wei Hanshan's group.

Translation: "Soon only Senior Brother Shi, Lin Ke, and the martial arts academy disciples who failed to stop Wei Hanshan's group remained in the private room."

"This isn't your fault; go back and eat and drink your fill."

Translation: "\"This isn't your fault; go back, eat your fill and drink well. \""

Senior Brother Shi waved his hand at the few martial arts hall disciples whose faces were full of guilt.

Translation: "Senior Brother Shi waved his hand at the few martial arts academy disciples whose faces were written with guilt."

The provincial capital's martial arts hall has been open for less than six years; it has only managed to train a few Qi Strength realm disciples, and has yet to produce a Condensed Truth realm disciple capable of holding up the hall's reputation.

Translation: "The provincial capital's martial arts academy, established less than six years ago, has only been able to cultivate disciples at the Qi Strength Realm; no disciples strong enough to uphold its reputation at the Condensing Truth Realm have yet appeared."

Being unable to stop the local tyrant Wei Hanshan is understandable.

Translation: "Being unable to stop the local tyrant Wei Hanshan is understandable."

"Yes, chief."

Translation: "\"Yes, Hall Master. \""

Several martial arts hall disciples breathed a sigh of relief, performed a salute, then exited the private room and closed the door.

Translation: "Several martial arts academy disciples exhaled in relief, performed a salute, retreated from the private room, and closed the door."

"Junior Brother, what scheme is Wei Hanshan playing with tonight's act?"

Translation: "\"Junior Brother, what scheme is Wei Hanshan up to tonight? \""

When only the two brothers were present, Senior Brother Shi no longer hid his feelings and directly asked his doubt: "It looks like he came to show force, but then it turned into clearing up his relationship with the seventh junior sister; I really can't figure it out."

When only the two brothers were present, Senior Brother Shi no longer hid his feelings and directly asked his doubt: "It looks like he came to show force, but then it turned into clearing up his relationship with the seventh junior sister; I really can't figure it out."

Translation: "With only the two brothers present, Senior Brother Shi no longer hid his doubts and asked directly: 'It looks like he came to show force, but then he shifted to distancing himself from the matter concerning the Junior Seventh Sister—I really can't make sense of it.'"

Lin Ke gave a faint smile: "That's just the old fox Wei Hanshan's trick. As long as he brings people tonight, he can consider the matter settled. Whether it's a show of force or clearing up the relationship, it doesn't matter."

Translation: "Lin Ke smiled faintly: 'That's just the old fox Wei Hanshan's trick. As long as he brings people tonight, he can consider the matter settled. Whether it's a show of force or clearing his name, it doesn't matter.'"

"What do you mean?"

Translation: "\"What do you mean? \""

Senior Brother Shi seemed to be thinking.

Translation: "Senior Brother Shi fell into thought."

"Hmm."

Translation: "\"Hmm. \""

Lin Ke confirmed Senior Brother Shi's guess.

Translation: "Lin Ke affirmed Senior Brother Shi's guess."

"Hiss!"

Translation: "\"Hiss! \""

Senior Brother Shi couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.

Translation: "Senior Brother Shi couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air."

The Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall has developed rapidly over the past seven years, arguably the top martial arts hall in Danyang Commandery.

Translation: "The Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall has developed rapidly over the past seven years, worthy of being called the premier martial arts hall in Danyang Commandery."

In terms of strength and influence, it is roughly on par with the Wei industry, evenly matched.

Translation: "In terms of strength and influence, however, it is roughly on par with the Wei Family Enterprise, evenly matched."

From Lin Ke's words, it sounds like they intend to use the seventh junior sister Li Sisi as a breakthrough to deal with the Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall people, still hiding in the shadows.

Translation: "From Lin Ke's words, it seems they intend to use the Junior Seventh Sister Li Sisi as a breakthrough to deal with the people of the Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall, still lurking in the shadows."

Wei Hanshan and his son are both pawns in the opponent's hand.

Translation: "Wei Hanshan and his son are both pawns in their hands."

Even using some sinister methods to alter the seventh junior sister's perception, it's very likely just a small test.

Translation: "Even using some sinister means to alter the Junior Seventh Sister's cognition is likely just a minor probe."

"When did our Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall provoke such a sinister person?"

Translation: "\"When did our Eight Extremes Martial Arts Hall provoke such a sinister person? \""

Senior Brother Shi was puzzled and also felt deep apprehension.

Translation: "Senior Brother Shi was puzzled and at the same time felt deep apprehension."

"It's easy to block a visible spear, but hard to defend against hidden arrows!"

Translation: "\"Blocking a spear is easy, but guarding against hidden arrows is hard! \""

"Don't worry too much, senior brother. It's just a matter of acting cautiously, staying vigilant—when water comes, earth blocks it; when soldiers come, generals stop them."

Translation: "\"Don't worry too much, Senior Brother. It's just a matter of acting cautiously, staying vigilant—when water comes, earth blocks it; when soldiers come, generals stop them. \""

Lin Ke spoke up to comfort the suddenly worried elder senior brother.

Translation: "Lin Ke spoke up to comfort the suddenly anxious elder brother."

"Hmm."

Translation: "\"Hmm. \""

Senior Brother Shi nodded, took a deep breath, and suppressed his emotions.

Translation: "Senior Brother Shi nodded, took a deep breath, and suppressed his emotions."

After this incident, he no longer had the mood to take Lin Ke to sample tonight's 'main dish'.

Translation: "After all that, he had no heart for anything else and took Lin Ke to sample tonight's 'main dish'."

Lin Ke sensed the shift in his senior brother's mood and offered an excuse: "Senior Brother, the boat ride was bumpy; I'm a bit tired and want to go back to rest."

Translation: "Noticing the shift in his brother's demeanor, Lin Ke offered an out: 'Senior Brother, the boat's rocking has tired me; I'd like to go back and rest.'"

"Ah? Okay, okay, okay."

Translation: "\"Ah? Okay, okay, okay. \""

Senior Brother Shi stared for a moment, then immediately agreed.

Translation: "Senior Brother Shi stared for a moment, then immediately agreed."

The two brothers then led the martial arts hall disciples out of the hotel and took a vehicle back to the hall.

Translation: "The two brothers then led the martial arts academy disciples out of the hotel and took a vehicle back to the academy."

As for the meal bill, since Wei Hanshan said he'd cover the expenses, of course we let him pay.

Translation: "As for the meal bill, since Wei Hanshan said he'd cover the expenses, of course we let him pay."

Meanwhile.

Translation: "Meanwhile."

After leaving the private room, Wei Hanshan immediately found his son.

Translation: "After leaving the private room, Wei Hanshan immediately sought out his son."

The refined young man Wei Bowen had already held his index finger, and was now receiving an ice compress to reduce the swelling on his face.

Translation: "The scholarly youth Wei Bowen had already bandaged his index finger and was receiving an ice pack to reduce the swelling on his face."

"Father, how did it go?"

Translation: "\"Father, how did it go? \""

Seeing Wei Hanshan enter the private room, Wei Bowen waved his hand to dismiss the two hotel housekeeping staff attending to his ice compress, and asked concernedly.

We're in trouble.

Wei Hanshan recalled his encounter with Lin Ke tonight, his face showing difficulty, "This Lin Ke fellow isn't as easy to fool as Shi Gandang."

He's the same age as me, only seventeen, right?

Wei Bowen asked with a gloomy gaze.

Hmm, indeed the same age as you. However, this person cannot be judged by common sense; we must be extra cautious.

Wei Hanshan said with deep meaning, faintly carrying a warning.

Father, I understand.

Wei Bowen immediately responded.

Understand?

Wei Hanshan squeezed out a word from his nose, then spoke in an unhappy, reproachful tone,

If you understand, you won't forget that I've repeatedly warned you: don't get too involved with your cousin, don't get too involved with your cousin!

Mechanical Martial Arts is merely a slight deviation from the orthodox path; fundamentally it's still good, capable of promoting world development.

Otherwise, those great sects and schools of Immortal Martial Arts that have survived for hundreds or thousands of years would have long since crushed Mechanical Martial Arts at its inception.

But what your cousin's family is involved in is not just a minor deviation!

That is desecration, it is evil and alluring, it is bizarre!

Once exposed, not only Immortal Martial Arts practitioners, but even Mechanical Martial Arts practitioners will strike to kill!

You, on the other hand, not only fail to stay away from your cousin, but under her instigation you actually set your sights on Li Shuwen's daughter!

You truly have no idea of life or death!

Wei Bowen endured a scolding, knowing his father was right, yet he couldn't suppress his rebellious teenage psychology, muttering, "What's so scary about just a martial arts hall master?"

Isn't it just a martial arts hall master?

Wei Hanshan immediately raised his voice, his right hand instinctively lifting, wanting to slap Wei Bowen again, but he endured it, merely pointing at Wei Bowen's nose and scolding, "You really make me angry! If you knew even a little of the martial world's history, you wouldn't be unaware of the name 'Unparalleled Hard Fist Strike, Divine Spear Li Shuwen.' Back then, with just a fist and a spear, he beat into submission an entire generation of martial artists in the south—a truly peerless tough guy! Moreover, he recently changed his name and hides in Fuli County, unwilling to move; otherwise, the entire martial world of Danyang Commandery would surely be overturned."

Wei Bowen heard this, the corners of his mouth twitching involuntarily a few times, feeling a surge of fear.

No wonder, when he forcibly pushed open the private room door tonight, his father rushed over anxiously.

Turns out he was worried about his life!