This martial arts hall stood about five stories tall and had its own internal arena. Standing on an upper floor and looking outward, Chen Chuan took in a full view of the shimmering surface of the Great Treckland Inland Lake.
Numerous ferries and cargo vessels traversed the waters, dotted here and there by small sailboats.
Xin Wulang stood beside him, introducing the surroundings. Although he was heavily built, he was surprisingly eloquent—lucid, organized, and occasionally witty. Even though he hailed from the Outer Ocean, he did not fit the typical stern, humorless stereotype.
Chen Chuan withdrew his gaze and turned to him. "I've read through the records. Mr. Xin Wulang, you took over the hall ten years ago?"
Xin Wulang replied respectfully, "Yes, sir. Ten years ago, under Ms. Rowena's arrangement, I took over the dojo from the previous master.
"I lacked the previous master's strength and capability, so I had no choice but to hire experienced coaches. At present, our primary revenue depends on them. Over all these years, the hall has maintained a good cooperative relationship with them, but..."
He paused briefly. "A good number of them have now requested raises in salary and profit shares for the second time. If we don't agree to their demands, they threaten to leave the hall en masse, which would inflict irreparable damage on the dojo's reputation."
Chen Chuan asked, "When did this start?"
"Toward the end of the first ten days of the month."
Chen Chuan had a clear idea of what was happening. This timing coincided with his takeover of the dojo. They must have learned that the dojo had a new master, and someone was working behind the scenes against it.
Setting aside other places, this was the Federation's capital. There were bound to be people who disliked seeing this venue fall into the hands of someone from Great Shun.
He asked, "Mr. Xin Wulang, do you know each of them well?"
"Yes."
Xin Wulang said steadily, "I personally recruited every single one of them. I know their circumstances inside and out."
Chen Chuan said, "For those with genuine ability who were merely swept along and incited, you may offer better terms and try to retain them. As for those simply looking to make trouble, there is no need to negotiate further. Let them go."
"Understood!"
Xin Wulang accepted respectfully. He did not ask what would happen after dismissing them. He saw himself as a caretaker; since Chen Chuan, the hall master, had decided, he would carry it out faithfully.
Chen Chuan did not care about revenue. This place was primarily meant for Great Shun's use; even if it ran at a loss, it would be maintained.
In reality, it was not that difficult. If they lacked personnel, Great Shun would find ways to supply them. If they lacked funding, donations from various companies would arrive in due course.
Xin Wulang then showed him around other areas, briefing him on their current operating conditions along the way.
Through their conversation, Chen Chuan recognized that Xin Wulang was indeed a talented manager.
Ten years ago, when the previous master stepped down, the Non-Body Style Dojo had faced a shortage of talent.
Xin Wulang had taken what were considered bold measures at the time.
He invited students who were studying at or had recently graduated from martial arts academies into the dojo, drawing on his predecessors' experience and deep foundation to help them hone their skills. Because the Non-Body style could ultimately be classified under free-hand combat, during their studies, they would inevitably take on some imprint of the Non-Body style.
Among these people, some ultimately decided to stay and join the dojo, while others walked away without looking back—the latter making up the vast majority.
This approach required a massive investment, but with Rowena's backing at the time, he managed to carry it through. This model ensured an endless stream of talent for the dojo. Furthermore, because the fighters who left had received help and training from the dojo, it wove a vast network of connections, broadening the hall's influence accordingly.
Chen Chuan had no intention of removing anyone currently at the dojo who wished to stay; Great Shun's professionals would handle the details later. As for someone like Xin Wulang, he would recommend raising his compensation or officially bringing him into their inner circle.
Maintaining a respectful demeanor throughout, Xin Wulang led Chen Chuan down to the core hub on the third basement level of the dojo. Upon arriving, he halted in place.
Chen Chuan pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside alone. In the spacious, empty chamber stood a ceramic vat, surrounded by vessels and ducts converging toward it.
From his boundary credential, a youthful voice spoke: "Hello, Mr. Chen. I am A'gu."
A'gu was the active conscious entity of the Non-Body Style Dojo, responsible for maintaining its daily operations. Fully unleashing its entire array of functions—or even combat capabilities—was something usually only powerful corporations or the government could manage, so under normal conditions, it operated at minimal capacity.
In fact, Rowena had deployed lower-consumption inactive conscious entities to manage the other branch halls. Periodically, data was aggregated and submitted to A'gu for processing, ensuring that financial and daily operational errors rarely slipped through.
At that moment, a limb resembling a hand whipped out from the ceramic vat across the room, slowly approaching him. Yet upon reaching a certain distance, it paused slightly, seeming somewhat wary of the red cloth wrapped around the Xuejun Saber. Only after verifying there was no danger did it tentatively reach out again.
Chen Chuan extended his hand. He first retrieved a mutated tissue key provided by Rowena and poured the liquid from it onto the limb. Once absorbed, the limb trembled briefly, then stretched forward again.
Chen Chuan reached out and grasped the limb as if shaking hands. A moment later, the voice sounded again: "Hello, Mr. Chen. From this moment onward, you are the master of the Non-Body Style Dojo, holding the highest authorization. A'gu is here to serve you."
Chen Chuan nodded and asked a few questions. A'gu answered each truthfully and transmitted a data report to him.
Then Chen Chuan walked back outside.
Returning upstairs, he asked, "Mr. Xin Wulang, I just asked A'gu. Was that important matter you mentioned earlier regarding the recent challenges?"
Xin Wulang's demeanor grew even more deferential. Bowing, he said, "Yes, Mr. Chen. As a martial arts dojo, we regularly participate in martial arts exchange matches with other halls. In the past, we won some and lost some, and both sides always saved face for each other.
"Recently, however, they've cast all former courtesy aside, frequently issuing challenges to us. Whenever we lose, they blow it up in the media. I have reason to believe this is a targeted commercial assault against us."
Chen Chuan gave a slight hum of acknowledgment and asked, "Who is the primary opponent?"
"The Migas Martial Arts Hall. It's a hall founded by local Federation martial artists. They have always harbored antagonism toward the Non-Body style. In the past, we could rely on that Federation Hero's reputation to keep them at bay, but now..."
Chen Chuan gave another soft nod. At root, the issue still came down to the dojo's owner. Although he was a martial artist, he was not a local of the Federation. This naturally rubbed certain factions the wrong way. The coaches being stirred up into a frenzy were undoubtedly being manipulated by forces behind the scenes as well.
He asked, "Mr. Xin Wulang, do you have a countermeasure?"
Hearing the question, Xin Wulang looked up and said solemnly, "Perhaps we could invite Mr. Wenli'er, the master of Migas, to negotiate. I believe that given your reputation, Mr. Chen, he will certainly come."
After a moment's thought, Chen Chuan said, "Let's do that. Send the invitation on my behalf."
"Understood. I will make sure it is handled." Xin Wulang bowed, then added, "Would I have the honor of inviting Mr. Chen to join us for a simple meal?"
Chen Chuan nodded. "Of course."
It happened to be noon, so Chen Chuan and Xin Wulang went to the dojo's private dining hall. The dishes served were East Continent style; Xin Wulang had thoughtfully engaged a chef from Jibei Dao, allowing Chen Chuan to savor the flavors of his homeland.
After eating, Chen Chuan went to the dojo to watch the disciples train. Xin Wulang brought over a simple, honest-looking youth around fifteen or sixteen years old.
"Mr. Chen, this is my son, Xin Youzhu. He is sixteen this year."
The youth immediately performed a traditional bow toward Chen Chuan, his voice ringing out: "Greetings, sir!"
Xin Youzhu's face was flushed red. Although it was not his first time seeing a martial artist, the man before him was a Secret Palace martial artist! Being in such close proximity was overwhelming for a young man like him to contain his excitement.
Chen Chuan observed him closely. At only sixteen, he had already reached the Second Limit—a level many people never achieved in a lifetime. When Chen Chuan was that age, he recalled he had only just entered Wuyi Academy.
Still, considering this was the Federation's capital, where brilliant talents abounded everywhere, it was not completely astonishing.
He asked, "Does he practice the Non-Body style?"
"Yes," Xin Wulang said gravely. "My son has practiced no other style's techniques."
Chen Chuan nodded and said no more, simply enjoying the hometown dishes specially prepared for him.
Xin Youzhu remained by their side, pouring drinks and serving dishes.
Until the end of the meal when Xin Wulang saw Chen Chuan off, the youth did not get another chance to speak or be addressed.
He felt a bit anxious, wondering if he had committed any breach of etiquette earlier. However, he had maintained proper manners throughout, making no unnecessary moves and asking no inappropriate questions.
After waiting for a long time, Xin Wulang walked back in from outside. Xin Youzhu immediately rose from his kneeling posture, calling out, "Father?"
Xin Wulang walked back steadily and gestured for him to sit, a smile surfacing on his face. "Youzhu, you did well today. I could tell Mr. Chen had a good impression of you."
Xin Youzhu was puzzled. "Father, I didn't do anything."
Xin Wulang shook his head, his tone laced with seriousness and a touch of warmth. "Sometimes, being yourself is enough."
With that, he paused, his gaze deepening as he said solemnly, "Youzhu, Mr. Chen is a Longevity View martial artist. If you can earn his guidance and favor, it would be an extraordinary milestone for our Xin family. You must seize this opportunity!"
Chapter 1177