Chapter 94: Meeting the Master
Chapter 94: Meeting the Master
"How did you know the stall fees are going to rise again?" Jiang Cheng looked at him in surprise.
"Of course, it’s through the grapevine."
Lu Zicheng smiled bitterly, "This morning, many people were talking about it. They say the Iron Fist Gang will raise the stall fees to 2500, and some even say 3000. By the way, not only will the stall fees rise, but the management fees will also increase."
"The management fees will also increase?" Jiang Cheng's expression changed.
He was a premium member of the martial arts academy, so it wouldn’t affect him.
But when Chen Sao returned, she would have to pay on time, not a penny less.
"Right, I heard it will increase by 30% on top of last month’s fees." Lu Zicheng’s face also fell.
Jiang Cheng’s pupils dilated. Wouldn't that be 2300 per month?
On the original 1000 yuan per month, it would more than double?
But last month was a special case. The Wild Wolf Gang raised the fees temporarily before they left. The Iron Fist Gang is actually using this as a baseline?
Is this not leaving people a way to live?
Suddenly, he thought of something and asked, "Then, the fees in the streets managed by the Iron Fist Gang are also this high?"
"No, they are the same as before, 2000 for stall fees and 1000 for management fees. Actually, I don’t think they will raise it so drastically. I suspect someone is deliberately spreading false information to scare people."
L
"Hmm." Jiang Cheng nodded.
He also felt that this so-called rumor was probably spread by the Iron Fist Gang.
But one thing was certain: when the time came, the amount they would demand would not be less than what the Wild Wolf Gang charged.
The news continued to spread, and by evening, while Jiang Cheng was pushing his tricycle back, he heard many people around him sighing in despair.
Who knew the Wild Wolf Gang was so cunning, collecting the management fees for just a few days before running away.
In a few days, when the Iron Fist Gang arrives, they will collect another management fee, and the amount will be even higher!
To gather the previous sum, many people had to scrape together every bit of money they could find. Now, what are they supposed to do?
Two days passed, and the Iron Fist Gang still hadn’t shown up. The tense atmosphere in the slum area slightly eased.
At the Flying Eagle Martial Arts Academy.
In the training room.
Jiang Cheng held a pair of double sticks, continuously sparring with Zeng Zhiting, who also wielded double sticks.
After several days of intensive training, the experience bar for his double sticks was down to half, and his skills had improved.
A few days ago, their matches were mostly an 80-20 split, but now it was closer to 60-40.
After a while, the two figures separated.
Jiang Cheng glanced at the wall clock and smiled, "Senior Brother Zeng, that’s enough for today. Thank you for your guidance this morning."
"You’re welcome, Junior Brother Jiang."
Zeng Zhiting took off his protective gear and suddenly said, "Junior Brother Jiang, do you have some free time later?"
Jiang Cheng nodded, "Yes, what’s up, Senior Brother Zeng?"
"Perfect, I’ll take you to meet the Master."
"!!!"
Jiang Cheng was caught off guard.
He had been calculating in his mind that at this rate, he would need about a week to train his double sticks to the Great Proficiency level. Then, he should be able to defeat Senior Brother Zeng eight times out of ten, and only then could he meet the Master.
But now, he could?
"Surprised?"
A rare smile appeared on Zeng Zhiting’s face, "I did say that when you defeat me with your stick technique, I would take you to meet the Master to receive his guidance. But in the past few days, your progress has been significant. It won’t be long before you can defeat me. So, why wait?"
"Senior Brother Zeng..."
Jiang Cheng's heart was filled with joy and gratitude upon hearing this.
He never expected that the seemingly aloof Senior Brother Zeng would also have a flexible side.
Yes, the sooner he could meet the Master, the sooner he could come into contact with the secret martial arts.
"Junior Brother Jiang, don't get too excited," Zeng Zhiting shook his head. "Even if I can bring you to see the Master, it's up to him whether he's willing to guide you or not. It's all up to your own fate."
"I understand, thank you, Senior Brother Zeng," Jiang Cheng said gratefully from the bottom of his heart.
"Alright, follow me. I've already informed the Master," Zeng Zhiting said.
Soon, the two removed their protective gear, put down their weapons, and walked out the door.
"Junior Brother Jiang!"
"Junior Brother Jiang, let's have a meal together?"
Lin Quan Liang and the others hadn't left yet, and upon seeing this, they all greeted him.
"No need, Senior Brother Lin, you guys go ahead and eat. I have something else to do," Jiang Cheng said with an apologetic smile.
"You have something else?"
The group was puzzled.
It wasn't until they saw Jiang Cheng following Zeng Zhiting and climbing the stairs to the third floor that they all froze in their tracks.
It wasn't until Jiang Cheng's figure disappeared that they regained some of their senses.
"Did Junior Brother Jiang just go up to the third floor?"
Lin Quan Liang widened his eyes, as if speaking to himself, and also asking the others.
"He, he went up?"
Tan Lei stammered.
"And it was Senior Brother Zeng who took him up," Sun Xiaoli added, her mouth agape.
After all, she had such a good relationship with Senior Sister Bai, and the rules of the Martial Arts Academy were clear, yet she didn't dare to go up.
But Jiang Cheng did.
"I understand now. Senior Brother Zeng said that if one day Junior Brother Jiang's staff technique surpasses his, he would take him to meet the Master. So..."
With that, everyone understood.
Their hearts were filled with both shock and envy, the latter being more prevalent.
"Is Junior Brother Jiang about to soar to great heights?" Lin Quan Liang's tone was complex.
"Senior Brother Lin, I'm afraid we'll have to change the way we address him as Junior Brother Jiang from now on," Tan Lei added.
As the words fell, the surroundings suddenly became quiet.
Jiang Cheng followed Zeng Zhiting honestly, but his heart couldn't help but feel nervous.
Would everything really go as smoothly as he hoped, and he would be accepted as a core disciple? It's probably not very likely. Such a thing would definitely require a period of observation, but being able to attract the Master's attention meant there was hope.
The two arrived at a wooden door, from which faint voices could be heard.
"Master, I've brought Junior Brother Jiang over," Zeng Zhiting said, knocking on the door twice.
"Bring him in."
A loud, clear voice of an elder echoed.
Jiang Cheng's heart instantly skipped a beat.
"Click."
The door opened.
As Jiang Cheng lifted his foot to step in, he felt a sharp gaze upon him.
"Master," Zeng Zhiting bowed.
"Greetings, Master," Jiang Cheng also clasped his fists and bowed.
"Hmm."
The elder nodded, withdrawing his gaze from Jiang Cheng and looking at Zeng Zhiting, "Is this the person you brought to me?"
"Yes, Master," Zeng Zhiting replied. "Junior Brother Jiang is very talented. These past few days, I've been sparring with him in staff technique, and his progress is remarkable. In a few more days, his skill with the double sticks will likely surpass mine. And regarding foundation training, I heard from Senior Brother Zhao that Junior Brother Jiang took just over two weeks to master it, going from complete ignorance to proficiency."
"Oh? Let me see."
The elder walked over, extending his hand toward Jiang Cheng's shoulder.
(End of Chapter)
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