After all, the other party was just an outer sect disciple, and there didn’t seem to be anything particularly special about him.
If it weren’t for his impressive boxing skills and the fact that his surname caught his attention, he might have overlooked him entirely.
Well then, from now on, I might as well collect investment targets based on their surnames.
Let’s round up all the ones with the surname Xiao and Ye first.
This also indirectly pointed out something.
Having a great destiny doesn’t necessarily mean life will be smooth sailing; one might encounter all sorts of setbacks and tribulations. If one can overcome them on their own, their destiny might even grow stronger.
But if one fails to get through, their destiny could weaken or even vanish.
As Li Mo’s thoughts swirled, Xiao Qin suddenly frowned and glanced at Wang Hu, who was not far away, saying:
“Li Mo, if you have a conflict with Wang Hu, you should leave early.”
“Oh? What makes you say that?”
Li Mo was puzzled.
“There’s a rule in the sect’s martial arts hall.”
“Disciples can challenge each other, and the challenged cannot refuse.”
Xiao Qin’s expression was not very pleasant.
“What kind of rule is that? Aren’t they afraid of injuring someone?”
Li Mo raised an eyebrow.
Does that mean Wang Hu will deliberately come looking for him to spar?
“With that senior disciple watching, it shouldn’t lead to serious consequences. At most, you’ll just get a few minor injuries and learn a lesson.”
Xiao Qin shook his head and sighed.
From his tone, it seemed he had suffered from this kind of loss more than once.
Li Mo pondered.
This rule wasn’t entirely unreasonable.
The sect didn’t need a bunch of paper tigers; rather than letting disciples suffer or even die outside, it was better to have them learn in a ‘preparatory class’ among their own.
So, encouraging martial combat made sense, as long as no one was crippled or killed, it was all fair game.
“Alright, if you want to learn boxing, you can come find me tomorrow. For now, just head back.”
“No need, what’s there to be afraid of?”
Li Mo still wore a light smile, as if he didn’t take the matter to heart.
Xiao Qin frowned.
Could it be that Li Mo was so confident in his true inheritance that he thought Wang Hu wouldn’t dare to really lay a hand on him?
Just then, not far away...
“You, come here and fight me.”
Wang Hu cracked his knuckles and pushed a certain outer sect disciple forward.
That disciple gritted his teeth and stepped up to face him.
However, it was only the first day of learning boxing, and he had barely grasped the basics.
His punches were not much different from a child’s flailing.
“Soft as a marshmallow! Haven’t you eaten?”
Wang Hu sneered.
With a swift motion, he deflected the disciple’s punch and kicked at his knee, easily breaking his unstable stance.
Thud—
The outer sect disciple lost his balance and fell to his knees.
On the platform, He Hongfeng frowned.
Sparring was one thing, but using underhanded tactics to win was another.
Yet Wang Hu’s boxing skills were clearly superior, and he was obviously humiliating his opponent on purpose.
But when he glanced at Wang Hao, he ultimately chose to remain silent.
“You...”
“Hmm? You don’t accept it? Then let’s continue!”
“I... I accept...”
“Pathetic. Just practice more. Get lost.”
Wang Hu cracked his neck, the sound of popping bones echoing as he turned to Li Mo.
“Ah, I almost forgot we have a distinguished true disciple here.”
“Come on, let me see just how strong true inheritance really is.”
He strode over with an imposing presence, shoving aside several outer sect disciples in his path.
Li Mo: “...”
He looked fierce, but he felt no hint of panic.
After all, he could always channel his martial insights into the Liuhe Fist.
How many years would it take?
If he poured twenty years into it, he wouldn’t accidentally kill someone, would he?
Just then...
Swish—
A branch, imbued with a chilling aura, sliced through the air.
Wang Hu’s face changed dramatically, and without a second thought, he dodged.
However...
He was still too slow, and the branch grazed his neck, instantly leaving him bleeding profusely!
That was no mere branch; it was clearly a sharp sword!
Everyone swallowed hard, feeling a chill run down their spines from a distance.
They all turned to look at the entrance.
At the entrance stood Ying Bing, her expression as cold as frost, her demeanor calm.
Clearly, that sword just now had come from her hand.
One sword, casually thrown, had injured Wang Hu like that?
Li Mo: “!”
What the hell was this overwhelming sense of security?
“She... she wants to kill me.”
Wang Hu’s face turned pale, his voice trembling.
Wang Hao’s heart raced as he gazed at the stunning figure, a flash of possessiveness crossing his eyes.
On the first day, she had already mastered a superior sword technique to a proficient level?
With such talent, comprehension, and beauty, her personality was equally captivating.
Yet Wang Hu was still howling in despair.
He solemnly questioned, “Ying Bing, as fellow disciples, how can you resort to killing so easily?”
“You’d better give me an explanation.”
But he was ignored.
“Why are you here?” Li Mo asked, somewhat surprised.
“I was passing by the Scripture Pavilion.”
Ying Bing furrowed her brows for a moment before relaxing them.
She seemed to understand why Li Mo was at the martial arts hall.
“Have you opened your meridians?”
“Yeah, unlike you, I’ve also learned sword techniques.”
Li Mo was curious and surprised.
That sword just now was definitely not from a beginner.
It couldn’t have been executed just after opening the meridians; Ying Bing must have opened at least one main meridian.
Wow, the red destiny is truly terrifying.
It’s almost like she’s cheating.
“Let’s head back to Qiushui Pavilion.”
Ying Bing spoke softly.
Without waiting for Li Mo to respond, she turned and walked toward the exit.
“Okay.”
Glancing at the still-dazed Xiao Qin, Li Mo felt there was no rush.
After all, she wasn’t going anywhere; investing tomorrow would be just as good.
The two chatted casually, seemingly oblivious to their surroundings.
Not far away, Wang Hao’s face was dark enough to drip water:
“Ying Bing, you almost killed my cousin just now!”
“Even if you’re a true disciple, you can’t act so recklessly.”
Ying Bing paused in her steps.
Seemingly annoyed by the buzzing fly, she slightly turned her head, her voice like jade hitting the ground:
“I never almost kill.”
With that, she walked out the door.
The outer sect disciples along the way didn’t dare to meet her gaze.
Li Mo: “!”
Yes, that’s exactly the vibe.
“You...”
Wang Hao was instantly choked into silence, his dark expression shifting several times.
Her dismissive words genuinely made him feel a sense of conviction.
“Senior Brother He, are you just going to watch?”
“Ying Bing didn’t break any rules, and your cousin was shouting with all his might; he doesn’t look seriously injured at all.”
“Besides, he said he wanted to challenge a true disciple, and here comes a true disciple.”
He Hongfeng chuckled.
Was he an idiot?
Even if Ying Bing tore the martial arts hall apart, he’d still have to help cover for her.
“Stop shouting; she’s already gone.” Wang Hao was inexplicably in a bad mood as he kicked Wang Hu in the rear.
Wang Hu finally realized he had only a superficial cut on his neck.
It looked scary, but it wasn’t a big deal.
However, he had genuinely felt like he was on the brink of death, brushing shoulders with the Grim Reaper!
“Li Mo, you coward! Relying on a woman for protection!”
“If you dare come to the martial arts hall again, I’ll make you pay! She can’t protect you every day!”
Wang Hu shouted angrily at the exit.
Suddenly, he noticed Xiao Qin in the corner, shaking his head and laughing.
“Are you laughing at me, you useless piece of trash? Weren’t you the one teaching Li Mo how to box just now?”
Wang Hu exploded.
“You’re so good at teaching, come on, let me learn from you.”
Xiao Qin narrowed his eyes, bracing himself.
He didn’t have the same luck as Li Mo.
He could only rely on himself.
---
**Chapter 14: Hot Pot and Ying Bing's Dream**
Inside the carriage.
This carriage looked understated on the outside, but it was a treasure trove within. Not to mention, the beams were made of fragrant golden wood, intricately carved with patterns of Taotie (a mythical creature), sturdy and resistant to decay, exuding a unique fragrance.
It was the martial arts world’s version of a Volkswagen Phaeton, and sitting inside, one wouldn’t feel a single jolt.
“Truly worthy of the sect master’s vehicle.”
“Old senior, how much did this carriage cost?”
Li Mo felt a bit awkward but couldn’t help but marvel.
It was like stepping into the home of a wealthy family; he was both curious and hesitant to touch anything.
“I’m just a humble servant, my surname is Ba. You can call me Old Ba.”
The old coachman chuckled.