218: 145 Toughness_2 218: 145 Toughness_2 Wen Yuwen stretched his neck to look and his face suddenly changed, as he stared fixedly at his son.
Wen Yudong spoke seriously, “This is a list of Fang Zhixing’s recent expenses.
Not only has he been purchasing many valuable goods, but he is also frequently seen at places like the Hanxiang Building, spending lavishly to a jaw-dropping extent.”
Wen Yuwen narrowed his eyes slightly and set down the teacup, asking sternly, “What are you trying to say?”
Wen Yudong scoffed, “Father, don’t you find it strange?
Fang Zhixing comes from a humble background with no backing, and his income is clear for all to see.
Where does he get so much money to squander like this?”
Wen Yuwen fell into silence, saying nothing for a long time.
Wen Yudong patiently watched his father, also not speaking for the time being.
After a moment, Wen Yuwen’s expression returned to normal, and he slowly asked, “Why are you investigating Fang Zhixing?”
Wen Yudong raised an eyebrow, “Father, there’s definitely something off about Fang Zhixing, and it’s quite obvious.
Shouldn’t I investigate?”
Wen Yuwen stared coldly at his son, saying sternly, “You are Fang Zhixing’s subordinate, committing insubordination.
Do you understand that you are committing a crime?”
Wen Yudong remained composed and resolute, replying, “Father, Fang Zhixing’s morality does not match his position, and I want to pull him down from his role as commander.”
Smack!
Wen Yuwen fiercely slapped the table, shouting, “Impudent!
What do you mean his ‘morality does not match his position’?
Fang Zhixing was personally promoted by the Lord County Magistrate.
Whether he is fit for the position is not for you to casually comment on!”
Wen Yudong’s mouth tightened and his fists clenched, his face full of defiance.
Seeing this, Wen Yuwen sighed deeply, “Whether you like Fang Zhixing or not, if you cannot defeat him, you must accept it.
Neither you nor Fang Zhixing are from an aristocratic family; whoever is stronger between you two is the boss, and you must accept that.”
Veins bulging on his forehead, Wen Yuwen lowered his head, stood up, and silently walked out of the accounting room.
Wen Yuwen watched him leave, and after a long time, he picked up the paper from the desk and closely examined it, his brows gradually knitting into a frown.
…
…
In the evening, Peace Street was bustling.
Fang Zhixing and Xigou crossed the street, arriving outside the entrance of Hanxiang Building.
“Oh, Commander is here!”
The brothel madam swayed her hips, scurrying over with small quick steps, warmly welcoming them.
Fang Zhixing smiled and asked, “Where’s Su Niang?”
The brothel madam replied, “Su Niang, knowing you were coming, turned away all other guests, waiting just for you.”
Fang Zhixing nodded and entered the building, ascending directly to the third floor.
“Hey, who is that man, to be able to freely enter Su Niang’s private room?”
“Tsk, don’t you know?”
“I’ve never seen him before; may I ask which family’s young master he is?”
“This gentleman is the newly appointed Commander Fang Zhixing.
He’s now the second most important person in Qinglin County, next only to the Lord County Magistrate.”
…
The crowd murmured among themselves, their expressions filled with awe.
At this moment, Fang Zhixing, while not yet famous far and wide, had at least risen to prominence within the town, making a name for himself.
Hearing this, Fang Zhixing felt a burst of satisfaction and then stepped into the large private room.
“Commander Fang.”
Su Niang came forward to greet him, dressed today in a flowing emerald garment that outlined her curves and added an extraordinary charm to her graceful figure.
Fang Zhixing smiled lightly and happily embraced Su Niang’s waist.
“Come, I’ve composed a new piece, let me play it for you.”
Su Niang led Fang Zhixing to the zither table, her delicate fingers danced on the strings, and beautiful music immediately surrounded them.
At times rushing like thunderstorms, at other times floating like drifting silk threads.
After a moment, Su Niang raised her hands, lifted her head, smiling asked, “What do you think?”
Fang Zhixing nodded repeatedly, giving a thumbs up, praising, “The high mountains and flowing water, nothing more than this.”
Su Niang’s face instantly lit up with joy, chatting for a while about the zither piece, then suddenly shifted the topic, “I heard the ‘Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament’ is about to begin, are you going to participate?”
“The Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament?”
Fang Zhixing raised his eyebrows; he had heard about this more than once.
Su Niang smiled and said, “The Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament is held once every three years and is a grand event in the martial arts world.
I heard that this time, the top three martial artists, if female, will have the chance to marry into the aristocratic Luo Family, and if male, will have the chance to marry into the Luo Family.”
Fang Zhixing couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.
“Marry into the family?!”
Xigou, who had been amusing himself on the carpet, suddenly shivered and fixed his gaze on Fang Zhixing.
In a rush, he transmitted his voice, “This could be considered, marrying into the Luo Family is like an instant rise to heaven!”
Fang Zhixing was slightly silent, then responded, “The Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament allows all young talents under thirty to register and participate, gathering a group of elite, and naturally includes young members from aristocratic families.
If I participate and secure a top-three finish, it would be necessary to defeat some members of these families, possibly needing to go all out and expose all my cards.”
Upon hearing this, Xigou knew that Fang Zhixing was losing interest in the Qinghe Martial Arts Tournament.
And indeed, if nothing unexpected happened, Fang Zhixing would soon advance to the Three Beasts Realm, slowly over several months, or as quickly as within a month.
Furthermore, with his current power and status, he could almost effortlessly progress to the Four Beasts Realm.
Only after reaching Perfection in the Four Beasts Realm would he encounter an insurmountable issue!
Cultivation Technique!
In the secret room of the Iron Casting Hall, there was not a single “Fierce Tiger” series technique.
This meant that Fang Zhixing would have no choice but to go to the Iron Mountain Sect headquarters to seek it.
But then, the higher-ups of the Iron Mountain Sect weren’t fools, under what conditions would they give a Fierce Tiger series technique to Fang Zhixing?
Xigou pondered, “Have you thought about the fact that once your cultivation reaches Perfection in the Four Beasts Realm, you’ll inevitably have to expose your power?”
Fang Zhixing sighed, “I had thought about it long ago.
I’m nineteen this year, and if I advance to Perfection in the Four Beasts Realm within half a year, I will be seen by everyone as either a cultivation prodigy or a monster, attracting tremendous attention.””
Xigou continued, “Yes, but you have no choice.
Only by exposing your cultivation and proving your strength will others let you access the Fierce Tiger series techniques, right?”
Fang Zhixing paused, then sighed, “I can’t just expose myself like that; it’s too suspicious, the risk is too great.”
Xigou said with a headache, “So what do we do?
The cultivation techniques are the core secrets of an aristocratic family.
You either acquire it through normal channels or you just take it, there’s no third option.”
Fang Zhixing smiled and replied, “Taking it is my second choice.
My first choice is to leave Qinghe County.”
“Leave?!”
Xigou blinked, having never considered this option before.
Fang Zhixing said with a smile, “If I reach Perfection in the Four Beasts Realm, my strength will be comparable to that of an elder or even a vice sect leader of the Iron Mountain Sect.
I wouldn’t dare to say I could do as I please, but at least I would have enough power to protect myself.
The world is vast; where can’t I go?”
Coming to a realization, Xigou smacked his lips, “That could work too, leaving Qinghe County to a place where no one knows you, to start anew!”
The man and the dog communicated mentally.
Su Niang’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, “Commander Fang, are you not interested in participating in the Qinghe Martial Arts Competition?”
Fang Zhixing shook his head with a smile and said lightly, “I am a person who abides by the rules; I don’t like to join in the hustle and bustle.”
Understanding his point, Su Niang snuggled into Fang Zhixing’s embrace.
Fang Zhixing gave a slight smile, unfastened his belt, and gently pressed her head.
…
…
The night was solemn.
In the study, Wen Yuwen stood with his hands bound at one side.
Luo Peiyun sat in a chair, holding a paper in his right hand and resting his left on the armrest, continuously tapping his fingers.
After a long while, Luo Peiyun put down the paper and stated lightly, “Commander Fang’s expenditures are indeed very large.”
Wen Yuwen agreed, “Master’s clarity is profound; looking at Commander Fang’s income, unless he has borrowed a lot of money, it would be difficult for him to balance his income and expenditures.”
“Borrowed money?”
Luo Peiyun’s eyebrows rose as he pondered, “It doesn’t seem like borrowing nor does it seem like accepting bribes.”
As he spoke, he suddenly burst into laughter, clicking his tongue, “It seems our Commander Fang has his own unique way of making money.”