In the morning, Chris Chen came to Ian Song's home, eager to learn the authentic Tiger-Wolf Boxing Ian had promised. Ian didn't hold back—he taught Chris both the improved Body-Fortifying Art and the perfected Tiger-Wolf Boxing.
Chris had some talent for martial arts. In just three days, he mastered both the Body-Fortifying Art and Tiger-Wolf Boxing. At the same time, his vacation ended—he would have to return to the county city the next day.
Coincidentally, Ian also needed to go to the county city, so they agreed to set out together the next morning.
The next morning.
Chris came to Ian's house, and together they set off for Huangshan County.
After three days of practicing the Body-Fortifying Art, Chris was already seeing results—his physical condition had improved noticeably.
Walking briskly, the two reached the county city in just one hour.
"Little scholar, what are you planning to do? Want me to come with you?"
Chris asked with concern.
"No need, you go handle your own business," Ian waved him off.
Chris added, "Alright, I'll head back to the yamen first. If you need anything, just come find me there!"
Huangshan County was just a lower-ranked county; the county city itself wasn't large and didn't feel particularly prosperous.
Ian wandered the streets for a while and finally spotted a shop called 'Treasure Gathering Studio.' He walked right in.
"Young master, what would you like to buy? Our shop has brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, gold, silver, and jade jewelry!"
A waiter greeted him warmly.
"Go call your manager—I have a business deal to discuss with him."
Ian said bluntly.
The waiter glanced at Ian suspiciously, hesitating a bit—mainly because Ian's clothes were plain, not what you'd expect from someone wealthy.
Ian frowned and snapped, "You look down on people, huh? Do you really think I came here just to mess around?"
"Please wait a moment, young master. I'll go get the manager right away!"
The waiter hurried off.
Soon, the waiter returned with a middle-aged man dressed in a silk robe.
"Manager, this young master wants to discuss a big deal with you," the waiter said, pointing at Ian.
"May I ask your name, young master?"
The manager asked.
Ian replied politely, "Nice to meet you, Manager. My name is Ian Song."
"Ian Song?"
The manager frowned, feeling like the name was familiar. Suddenly, a lightbulb went off in his head. "Are you the top scholar in this year's child-student exam?"
"That's me," Ian said calmly.
"Forgive me, forgive me! Please, Young Master Song, have a seat! Xiao Wu, what are you standing around for? Go make tea!"
Then, the manager led Ian into a private room. He introduced himself: his surname was Ma, and his name was Malin Ma.
Hearing his surname, Ian remembered what Chris had told him on the way to the exam: Huangshan County had four top inner-qi experts—Teng Hu, the martial hall master; Li Ju, the county deputy; and two from the Ma family, including the head guard and the eldest son, Ma Chuang.
Could Malin Ma also be part of the Ma family?
"Young Master Song, may I ask what brings you to my humble shop today?"
Malin Ma asked with a friendly smile.
"Manager Ma, please take a look at this."
Ian took out a glass craft and placed it on the table.
It was a green wolf, vivid and lifelike.
The moment Malin Ma saw the glass wolf, his eyes went wide. Amazement flashed across his face as he picked it up and examined it closely. In his heart, he was already determined—he had to have this treasure, no matter what.
A moment later, he looked at Ian and asked, "Young Master Song, forgive my boldness, but are you planning to sell this crystal wolf?"
"Shopkeeper Ma, why not name your price?"
Song Yan smiled as he spoke.
At this, Malin Ma sank into thought. Finally, he raised five fingers: "Fifty taels!"
"Heh."
Song Yan chuckled, picked up the glass wolf, and slowly stood up. "Shopkeeper Ma, even if we can't do business, we can still be friends. Thanks for the tea, but I'll take my leave."
Seeing Song Yan about to leave, Malin Ma panicked. "Young Master Song, don't be hasty! Business is all about negotiation. Fifty taels is just my opening offer—why not make a counteroffer?"
"Five thousand taels!"
Song Yan declared, firm and resolute.
Malin Ma wasn't surprised by Song Yan's price. After all, the crystal wolf was seamlessly crafted, with no sign of carving—truly a masterpiece, a rare treasure. Five thousand taels wasn't unreasonable.
Still, he tried to haggle. "Young Master Song, that's just too high!"
"Shopkeeper Ma, let’s be frank. This crystal wolf is absolutely one-of-a-kind. If I weren’t short on money, I wouldn’t even consider selling it. If you agree to five thousand taels, we’ll close the deal right now. If not, I’m leaving immediately!"
"How about four thousand taels?"
Malin Ma pressed again.
"If Shopkeeper Ma is so insincere, then I’ll take my leave!" Song Yan pretended to be angry and turned to go.
"Wait, Young Master Song, I agree!"
In a panic, Malin Ma called out urgently.
When Song Yan left Treasure Gathering Studio, he had four thousand nine hundred taels in banknotes and five ten-tael silver ingots. He spent the remaining fifty taels on jewelry for Yoyo. Ever since Yoyo married into his family, she’d endured hardship—even her dowry jewelry had been sold for food.
Now that he had money, Song Yan was determined not to let her suffer anymore.
After walking some distance, Song Yan suddenly sensed he was being followed. He was surprised—he was the laureate, after all. Could Malin Ma really dare to harbor other intentions?
In fact, Song Yan didn’t know that if it were just a few hundred taels, Malin Ma wouldn’t dare risk it with a laureate. But this time, it was five thousand taels.
As the saying goes, 'wealth moves the heart.' If he could find someone to rob Song Yan and do it cleanly, who’d ever know?
Soon enough—
Song Yan quickly figured it out.
Only two people were tailing him. They had martial skills, but not much strength.
Clearly, Malin Ma thought he was just an ordinary scholar, weak and defenseless, and so sent only two men.
Thinking of this, Song Yan couldn’t help but sneer inwardly.
Since you’ve chosen to harbor evil intentions, don’t blame me for being ruthless.
He wandered around the city, bought a few things, then headed straight out of town.
The two men naturally followed, still wary of Song Yan’s laureate status, and didn’t dare make a move inside the city.
Soon enough—
Ten li from the county seat, the road was already remote.
The two men trailing Song Yan were no longer so cautious—they were ready to strike.
But after rounding a bend, they suddenly realized Song Yan had vanished.
Both men panicked.
"Brother Li, what do we do? That kid disappeared in the blink of an eye!"
"He must’ve noticed us and is hiding nearby. Search!"
"Are you looking for me?"
Just then, with a flash, Song Yan appeared right in front of them.
The two men were startled.
Their eyes flashed with murderous intent as they lunged at Song Yan.
"Courting death!"
Song Yan sneered, stepped forward, and threw two quick punches.
Bang! Bang!
With a scream, both men flew backward and crashed to the ground, dead on the spot. Song Yan hadn’t held back; each punch shattered their internal organs.