Chapter 50: A Chance Encounter with the Elder

But now, Feng Yisheng was still at the first level of Qi Refinement, with not the slightest sign of a breakthrough. Lost in thought as he walked, he suddenly heard cries for help ahead. Listening closely, the voice sounded familiar—wasn’t it the young woman he saw practicing yesterday?

Anxious to help, Feng Yisheng hurried over. Sure enough, he saw the elderly man from yesterday, Yang Zhenwu, lying on the ground. The young woman, Xiaoyun, looked distraught as she supported her grandfather. Seeing Feng Yisheng approach, she called out desperately, “Please, save my grandfather! I’ll give you whatever you want!”

In her panic, Xiaoyun clung to the faintest hope, not even knowing who Feng Yisheng really was, yet still begging for his help. It was hard to blame her; her grandfather meant everything to her and held an esteemed position in her heart.

Feng Yisheng said nothing, merely casting a cold glance at Xiaoyun, speechless at her attitude. Did she really think that everything could be measured with money?

With a touch of spiritual power, Feng Yisheng thoroughly examined the old man's condition. His current diagnostic abilities were on par with the most advanced medical devices in the mundane world. The elder’s internal organs were gravely injured. Helpless, Feng Yisheng channeled a trace of spiritual energy into his body. Of course, he was under no obligation to repair all the old man's injuries, but he could at least alleviate the severity of the damage.

In less than ten breaths of time, the old man opened his eyes, glanced around, and asked, “Xiaoyun, what happened to me?” Xiaoyun pointed at Feng Yisheng and said, “Grandpa, he saved you.”

The elder stood up, dusted off his clothes, cupped his hands in salute to Feng Yisheng, and said, “Young man, you are indeed a fellow of the martial path. I thank you for saving my life.”

“No need for thanks. By the way, your internal organs are severely damaged. You’d best stop practicing that Tiger Cannon Fist, or you might end up losing your life.”

“This...” The old man appeared to have something he couldn’t say.

“What is it? Think carefully. What matters more—your life, or your martial arts?”

“Hey, kid, you must know how to save my grandfather!”

“First, my name isn’t ‘hey’! Second, why should I save your grandfather?”

“Xiaoyun, don’t be rude!” the old man said, full of apology. “Young man, Xiaoyun lost her parents at a young age and is rather headstrong. Please, don’t take it to heart.”

“It’s fine. We’ve only met twice, and I know nothing about you. Your life belongs to you, not to me.” Feng Yisheng waved his hand, as if resigned.

“Young man, it’s a long story. I have no choice—our martial arts community in China has declined...”

“Grandpa, why are you telling him this?” Xiaoyun interrupted before he could finish.

“It’s alright, Xiaoyun. This young man walks the martial path as well; there’s no harm in telling him.” He turned to Feng Yisheng. “Do you know why our Chinese martial arts have fallen behind?”

“I don’t. Why?”

“Don’t you know? Nine years ago, Chieko Higashiyama from the Island Nation swept through our martial arts world, even killing Grandmasters Wu Zhiquan and Jiang Xiaohua, and gravely injuring dozens more. Since then, our martial community has never recovered!”

“And what does that have to do with you?”

“I am ashamed to say, after exhausting countless resources, I only reached the third level of the Innate Realm in my old age, still far from the pinnacle. That disastrous event nine years ago humiliated all of China’s martial world and forced us to sign an agreement: every five years, our two nations would compete, with separate contests for the Innate and Postnatal Realms—a verbal pact made between twenty of our grandmasters and theirs. Four years ago, we suffered a crushing defeat. If we lose again next year, it would be unbearable. I have squandered countless resources, yet I am only at the third level of the Innate Realm, unworthy of nearly a hundred grandmasters’ expectations. On New Year’s Day next year, I must fight to the death against the Island Nation’s martial artists.”

The old man’s words cast Feng Yisheng into deep thought. The elder and Xiaoyun remained silent, waiting. After a moment, Feng Yisheng asked, “How long until the next martial arts competition between the nations?”

“Less than ten months.”

“At the rate you’re damaging yourself, you’ll be dead long before that.”

“Young man, I have no other choice. Our martial arts world has been shamed time and again by foreign countries.”

“If that’s how it is, then there’s nothing I can do.”

“Young man, my granddaughter said you saved me just now. I beg you, for the sake of all Chinese martial arts, save me once more! I may be insignificant, but in Changnan City, my words still carry some weight. Whatever you ask, I will do my utmost.”

“Fine. But I’ll only help for these ten months. Every Saturday, come to Nanshui Community to pick me up, and I’ll treat you. Once a week will suffice.”

“Thank you, young man!”

Feng Yisheng waved his hand. “Don’t thank me yet. My help comes with conditions.”

“Please, name them.”

“I’ll treat you once a week. Each session costs ten million.”

“What? Are you butchering a pig?” Before the old man could respond, Xiaoyun exclaimed in shock.

“Suit yourself.”

“Very well, young man, I accept.”

“Good. I’ve already treated you once just now, but since there was no agreement, that one is free. Next Saturday, send someone to pick me up and I’ll continue your treatment. If there’s nothing else, I’ll be heading home.”

“Safe travels!” The old man replied with deep respect.

After Feng Yisheng walked off, Xiaoyun turned to her grandfather. “Grandpa, do you really trust him so much?”

“Ah, Xiaoyun, you mustn’t be so willful anymore. This young man is not as simple as he appears. As for why I believe him, isn’t it obvious? Next Saturday, let him treat me again, and we’ll see his true skills.”

“Grandpa, is he really as capable as you say?”

“I cannot see through him—just like your uncle.”

“Huh? No way! Grandpa, my uncle isn’t even thirty and he’s already at the first level of the Innate Realm. Is this guy really as impressive as you think?”

“More than that.”

“Grandpa...”

Xiaoyun said no more, knowing that no matter what she said, her grandfather would continue to praise that fellow. Still, she silently resolved to one day expose the young man and show her grandfather the truth.

After breakfast, Feng Yisheng returned home and spent the entire morning reviewing his studies.