Chapter 49

Wang Jianglong, this overbearing dragon from across the river, ultimately left with his tail between his legs, leaving behind a banknote and an IOU. The banknote was a universal banknote from the official money house of Yunze Kingdom, with a value of 10,000 knives. The IOU, on the other hand, was for two heart cores, with a repayment deadline by the end of the year.

Wang Yingfu, who had seen off Wang Jianglong, was elated, every wrinkle on his face radiating a brilliant glow. Looking at Lu Buqi's eyes, he was even happier than seeing his own son grow up: "The banknote is yours, and you can take this heart core back for now. I'll have someone send you another one later! Also... Old Bu, have the accountant allocate 10,000 knives..."

Lu Buqi hurriedly shook his head: "Chief, I'll take the 10,000 knives and the heart core from Wang Jianglong, but your 10,000 knives..."

"No need to say more, Buqi, you deserve all of this!" Wang Yingfu patted Lu Buqi's shoulder: "You've made me proud, and you've made Guojian Town proud. I'm so happy, ha ha... Even if it were 100,000 knives, I'd be willing to give it!"

Of course, Wang Yingfu was delighted. The matter that had been troubling him was resolved thanks to Lu Buqi's appearance! Thinking about Wang Jianglong's embarrassed look, Wang Yingfu felt even more joyful. Besides, he hadn't lost anything today. Lu Buqi had already given him a heart core, something that couldn't be bought for 10,000 knives.

At noon, it was originally supposed to be Wang Niansheng treating Lu Buqi to a big meal as an apology, but Wang Yingfu, feeling elated, insisted that Wang Lishou and Lu Buqi stay for lunch at the Chief's residence. The two couldn't refuse and stayed.

A mere slave from the marshes, yet invited to have lunch at the home of the Chief who wielded great power, was something no one would believe, but it was true. And after today, this news, along with the news of the Wu Ding representative from Zhutan Town being defeated, would spread throughout Guojian Town.

At the dining table, Wang Yingfu remained enthusiastic, not only tearing the lamb leg for Lu Buqi himself but also repeatedly encouraging him to practice martial arts and prepare for the Wu Ding selection in two and a half years.

The Wu Ding selection was a talent cultivation mechanism formed by the Wang family to promote family development. This system was not unique; almost all the major families in the various states and counties of Yunze Kingdom had similar systems.

Those who could participate in the Wu Ding selection were undoubtedly martial artists with exceptional potential, as there were age limits, and each town had a limited number of recommended slots.

Without a doubt, Lu Buqi's performance today had made him a top candidate for the next Wu Ding selection in Guojian Town. Even if he made no progress in the next two and a half years, he would still shine in the Wu Ding selection.

Moreover, given Lu Buqi's growth rate, could he possibly make no progress in two and a half years? Not only did Wang Lishou not believe it, but Wang Yingfu didn't either. He had seen Lu Buqi's determination half a year ago, which had deeply moved him.

If he performed outstandingly in the Wu Ding selection, he would be selected as a direct-line martial artist of the Wang family and be granted the Wang surname. As a direct-line martial artist of the Wang family, the benefits were astounding, not only enjoying privileges in many aspects of life but also having no need to do anything other than focus on martial arts, except for the occasional task assigned by the family head.

Compared to what Lu Buqi had previously hoped for, the Wu Ding selection seemed to be a much better path. Lu Buqi naturally had no objections to Wang Yingfu's expectations.

Human circumstances are indeed magical. When Lu Buqi, with 20,000 knives in his pocket, and Wang Lishou, were sent off by the smiling Old Bu, he thought to himself:

"Buqi, this morning when I brought you to see the Chief, I never expected such good fortune, did you?" Wang Lishou put his arm around Lu Buqi's shoulder.

Lu Buqi shook his head: "I didn't expect it either..."

"It was just a bit of exercise, and a couple of blind-eyed guys got beaten. Not only did we get the heart core back, but we also earned another heart core and 20,000 knives. That's a huge favor!" Wang Lishou smacked his lips: "I said you were so generous, giving the Chief heart cores, you must have some divine calculation, right? Did you foresee that he was having a spat with Wang Jianglong?"

Lu Buqi smiled bitterly: "If I had that ability, it would be great!"

"Just a joke, but today I benefited from you. I got a free meal at the Chief's place. You know, the Chief's lamb is the best. It's from the old Song Kingdom, hard to find in Yunze Kingdom!" Wang Lishou wiped his mouth: "Taste good?"

"It was good, fragrant and tender, with no gamey smell!" Lu Buqi responded, thinking to himself: "So in this world, people also crave imported goods."

"Buqi, you really made a name for yourself today. But I've been wondering, what was that move you used to throw Wang Shubao at the end? I've never seen you use it before..."

Lu Buqi chuckled: "Old Wang, you're just trying to find out, aren't you?"

Seeing his intentions exposed, Wang Lishou grinned: "Hehe, I just saw that move and got itchy. How did you lock him with both hands? So tight?"

"That's called 'Caging Tiger and Restraining Bear.' It's a rare combination move from my Five Animal Imitation Fist." Lu Buqi explained: "I'll teach you if you want!"

Wang Lishou's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great, ha ha..."

"But even if you learn it, don't use it recklessly without at least two to three years of practice in Tiger Fist and Bear Fist. You might hurt yourself." As his relationship with Wang Lishou grew stronger, Lu Buqi spoke more casually: "That's why I didn't show it to you before."

"I understand. Starting tomorrow, I'll join you for the morning exercises." Wang Lishou had also pondered this move and knew the risks. Without Lu Buqi's control, it was easy to get hurt.

Lu Buqi nodded, a slight smile on his lips: "Old Wang, don't keep anything back. I heard the Chief say you're a master blacksmith. You can't keep your skills to yourself just because I'm not your apprentice!"

"That's no big deal, a small matter!" Wang Lishou waved his hand, and the two shared a smile, walking arm in arm toward the blacksmith shop.

At the blacksmith shop, Wang Niangsheng and Wang Gangqiang, who had been waiting at the gate, were almost ready to give up, but their faces lit up when they saw Wang Lishou and Lu Buqi.

"Master, didn't you say today was our graduation test? Why were you gone all morning?" Wang Niangsheng looked at Wang Lishou, somewhat dejected.

"You big oaf, I'm back now, aren't I?" Wang Lishou gave him a light tap on the head: "Besides, do you think I was just idling? I went to visit the Chief with Buqi, and he kept us for lunch. Could we leave?"

"The Chief invited you to lunch?" The blacksmith shop was bustling with people, and upon hearing this, they couldn't help but look over. Seeing it was Wang Lishou, they relaxed, but they couldn't help but gossip about the unfamiliar face of Lu Buqi.

Wang Gangqiang and Wang Niangsheng were also surprised. The latter looked at Lu Buqi, bowing his head slightly: "Buqi, I was going to treat you to a big meal at noon..."

"It's fine, we can do it another day." Lu Buqi responded: "You and Gangqiang should focus on your graduation test. If you succeed, I'll treat you to dinner and a celebration, and it will also serve as a thank-you dinner for your master!"

Wang Niangsheng and Wang Gangqiang exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with surprise: "Really?"

Before Lu Buqi could respond, Wang Lishou laughed: "You two brats, you're in luck. Go prepare, and if you mess up, you won't have the face to drink with us."

"We're already prepared, just waiting for Master to come back!" Wang Gangqiang responded, and Wang Niangsheng nodded: "That's right, Master, just watch!"

For a master, seeing his apprentices graduate was a joy. Wang Lishou was in high spirits, once again putting his arm around Lu Buqi's shoulder, and they entered the blacksmith shop amidst the surprised gazes of the onlookers.

The news of the two apprentices' graduation ceremony at the blacksmith shop quickly spread throughout Guojian Town, along with the news of a young outsider who had a close relationship with the blacksmith and was even invited to lunch by the Chief, suggesting he was no ordinary person.