Lin Zheyu modestly cupped his hands to the Feihong Gang members.
He was also eager to see where his current strength stood within the Feihong Gang, and even across Songyi City as a whole.
"Xie Jiang, step up and trade a few moves with Mister Lin," Xu Jingwu said.
"Yes, Chief."
Xie Jiang answered and stepped forward.
He was an ordinary-looking man, similar in build to Lin Zheyu and nowhere near as burly as Jia Yanyong.
"I am Xie Jiang. Please advise."
Xie Jiang cupped his hands toward Lin Zheyu. He seemed to have had some schooling, lacking Jia Yanyong's rough edges.
"Lin Zheyu. Please go easy on me."
Lin Zheyu cupped his fist in return.
*This guy is strong!*
That was the impression Lin Zheyu gave Xie Jiang.
Xie Jiang was on par with Jia Yanyong in martial ability; whenever the two sparred, victories were evenly split.
Since Lin Zheyu had defeated Jia Yanyong with ease, Xie Jiang would certainly be no match for him either.
"Hah!"
With a loud shout, Xie Jiang made the first move.
Employing a unique footwork that lent him an airy grace, he darted straight toward Lin Zheyu.
Lin Zheyu watched him, fighting spirit blazing in his eyes.
He had rarely faced other martial artists in open combat.
Whenever he sparred with Master Liang, he had only ever taken beatings, which was thoroughly suffocating.
Xie Jiang was fast and exceptionally skilled in movement techniques.
Lin Zheyu dodged Xie Jiang's palm strikes and countered with a punch, but his opponent made nimble use of his agility to slip away.
*Interesting.*
Lin Zheyu grinned.
He had studied movement techniques as well, though he had yet to master the basics. This was the perfect chance to hone his footwork against Xie Jiang.
"Eh?!"
Seeing Lin Zheyu also execute a specialized movement technique, Xie Jiang let out a startled gasp.
Yet his mind was soon put at ease.
Lin Zheyu's footwork was far too crude, barely better than that brute Jia Yanyong's.
The two shifted rapidly across the courtyard, trading over a dozen blows back and forth with muffled thuds.
"So strong!" "He was holding back earlier!"
Narrowing his swollen eyes at the sparring pair, Jia Yanyong was secretly stunned.
*Is he using me to hone his footwork?*
After another dozen exchanges, Xie Jiang's gaze sharpened.
"Hmph!"
He gave a cold snort and looked at Lin Zheyu. "Mister Lin, do you still not intend to use your full strength? Do you plan to just drag this out?"
"My apologies. Seeing Mister Xie's remarkable footwork, I acted on a whim," Lin Zheyu said, beginning to take things seriously.
*Bang!*
Possessing remarkable agility, Xie Jiang relied on his edge in speed to circle Lin Zheyu, unleashing a flurry of palm strikes.
Lin Zheyu raised his fists in defense, effortlessly warding off Xie Jiang's onslaught.
Spotting an opening, he stepped forward with his right foot and closed in fast.
*Not good!*
Xie Jiang realized the danger, but it was already too late.
Lin Zheyu's left hand locked onto his wrist swiftly and accurately, while his right fist hammered out.
Unleashing Wild Bull Horn Strike, his right fist struck Xie Jiang's chest at a tricky angle, knocking him several paces back.
"A good match."
"Mister Lin's strength is formidable. I yield with utmost respect." Xie Jiang rubbed his aching chest as he got back to his feet.
An uproar broke out among the surrounding Feihong Gang members.
If Jia Yanyong's defeat could be blamed on his impaired vision affecting his performance, then now that Xie Jiang had lost as well, it proved Lin Zheyu had won entirely on raw martial prowess.
"Ning Hui, do you care to step up and have a round as well?" Xu Jingwu asked with a smile.
Through the past two bouts, he had thoroughly gauged Lin Zheyu's strength.
Early-stage Bone Tempering, solid combat instincts, and well-structured forms—he had clearly received guidance from an experienced master.
*Later, I'll have Jia Yanyong look into who taught him martial arts.*
*If he truly started from scratch and brought Wild Bull Fist to this level within two months, this kid's talent makes him well worth roping in and nurturing.*
Xu Jingwu pondered, a plan forming in his mind.
For a family to grow and prosper, relying solely on its own kin was never enough.
Many of the powerful martial artists in the Xu clan had been recruited from outside through matrimonial ties and matrilocal marriage.
Lin Zheyu was currently alone in the world, possessed good talent and comprehension, and had fine character and looks. He was an excellent candidate.
"No, no. If both of them lost, I definitely won't beat him either," Ning Hui said, waving his hands dismissively.
"Haha!"
"Mister Lin's skill is remarkable. My Feihong Gang has gained yet another fierce champion.
"It's getting late. Tomorrow morning, Mister Lin, you can report to Feihong Tower at Number 28 Tongquan Street, and I will have someone arrange a post for you," Xu Jingwu said with a hearty laugh.
After exchanging a few more polite pleasantries, he took his leave.
"Mister Lin truly has great skill. I, Jia Yanyong, am thoroughly convinced.
"Our past grudge is wiped clean. From now on, you're one of our Feihong Gang brothers, and brothers we shall be," Jia Yanyong said as he walked over.
"Don't keep calling me Mister Lin. Just Lin Zheyu will do," Lin Zheyu said with a smile, looking at Jia Yanyong with a touch of apology. "I'm sorry for throwing chili powder into your eyes before.
"You came at me looking so fierce and threatening, I had no choice but to strike back."
Jia Yanyong squinted his swollen eyes at Lin Zheyu, speechlessly exasperated. "You're this strong—even if we fought fair and square, I wouldn't have beaten you! Was there really any need to use such dirty tricks?"
"Uh..."
"Haha, if I can save some effort, why bother sweating it out?"
"Tonight, it's my treat. Drinks on me for all of you, consider it my formal apology to Brother Jia," Lin Zheyu said generously.
Down the road, when he pushed for copyright on his stories, he would still need these brothers' help.
"Let's go, let's go! If I don't bleed your coin purse dry tonight, I won't get over this grudge," Jia Yanyong grumbled through gritted teeth, squinting through his puffy eyes.
He turned to Xie Jiang with a slightly smug expression. "Didn't you lose to Brother Lin too? Nothing to say now, eh?
"And you—didn't even dare step up to spar! What a coward," Jia Yanyong added, glaring disdainfully at Ning Hui through his slit-like eyes.
Earlier, it was these two who had come over specifically to mock him.
The group headed to a tavern, drinking freely until all barriers melted away.
Lin Zheyu and Jia Yanyong had truly become friends through blows. They competed in drink, laughed off past grudges, and settled their standing over bowls of wine.
...
Chapter 26