Chapter Seventeen: Recruiting Soldiers and Buying Horses

  Yu Ze Cheng took in eight more disciples, adding to Du You Zi, his followers now totaled thirteen.

  Just now when Mo Tu left, unexpectedly no one took care of the injured long spear guest, and he was left alone on the ground, with no one taking him away.

  This man was also tough and didn't make a sound, but the wound hurt so much that he couldn't help but hum a sound, which caught Yu Zecheng's attention.

  Yu Ze then established a moment ago, shouting for payment to bandage his wound, and said to Ma Tianyu:

  "Quickly, go and find me a doctor."

  Ma Tianyu hesitated for a moment before saying:

  "He is one of Motu's Four Heavenly Kings."

  Yu then stared at him and said:

  "He is still a disciple of our Měng Hǔ Bāng, what Four Great Golden Arhats, Mo Tu didn't even bother with him. He fought against Fu Qiang and lasted ten moves, he's under my command, I must save him, hurry up and find someone for me."

  The doctor arrived soon, bandaged the wound, and prescribed Chinese medicine. Since it was a knife wound, it was easy to treat. The original servants of this mansion were still around, so Yu Zecheng ordered them to carry him into the guest room for a good rest.

  That man struggled to get up and bowed to Yu Ze, saying:

  "Disciple Yang Yiming pays respects to Gang Bazhi, thanks Gang Bazhi for the rescue, great kindness and virtue, willing to serve as a horse for you."

  Yu then hastily helped him up and said:

  "Alright, from now on you and I are brothers, what I eat, you will also eat, we will never abandon each other."

  Then he was sent to the guest room to rest, and from then on, there was another disciple. Everyone's gaze at Yu Ze Cheng after this matter changed again, such a righteous and unyielding leader is what every disciple hopes for in an elder, now that Yu Ze Cheng's age is no longer a concern for anyone.

  Yu Ze Cheng, under the leadership of Ma Tianyu, toured this stronghold. Although the outer courtyard gate was not large, inside there was a hidden paradise, with a courtyard as big as ten mu (about 0.67 hectares). Inside, there was a small sports field, a main hall, and twenty-five guest rooms and bedrooms in the back. There were also kitchens, bathrooms, woodsheds, warehouses, and over ten other houses. Underground, there were secret rooms and dungeons. In the back, there was a vegetable garden, as well as a set of mechanical defense systems that would trigger an alarm bell if someone entered. Additionally, there were three chefs, five odd-jobbers, and four old housekeepers responsible for maintaining these buildings.

  Apart from these, more than thirty taels of silver were found in the gifts that Mo Tu had not had time to take away in his room, which was a windfall for Yu Ze-cheng. If he hadn't had this income, Yu Ze-cheng would have been penniless.

  It's roughly like that, Yu Zecheng cleared up this future base, couldn't help but nod his head, very satisfied with his gains.

  Yu Ze Cheng took out ten taels of silver and threw them at Ma Tianyu, saying:

  "Here's the money, you take care of repairing this stronghold for me, buy some medicine, and prepare some good wine and food, someone is coming over tomorrow."

  Yu Ze Cheng tells Ma Tianyu the ingredients he needs to make soup and asks him to buy them. Dou Youzi is whispering with Lin Ye Hong, they are discussing the matter of the Wild Wolf Gang. Yu Ze Cheng says to Dou Youzi:

  "Alright, alright."

  All travelers heard this title and were stunned, then came back to their senses and said:

  "Are you calling me?"

  Yu Ze Cheng said:

  "The Shan Zhu Fen Duan Ye Lang Bang has been recruited with 150 people, among whom there must be many talented individuals like you who have not yet found the right opportunity. Can you help me spread the word to them? I am opening my doors wide for those with vision and welcome them to come here."

  But there's one thing, you must find me two former Wolf Warriors who are familiar with this territory, so we can take over smoothly and avoid mistakes in collecting protection fees, either too much or too little is not good.

  All travelers heard this and replied:

  "No problem, we don't think much of Tan Er Lang and his kind, they're just clowns. The only ones who could withstand our attacks in the past were old-timers like Liu Dao Han. You, on the other hand, are superior to them in every way except age. It's a certainty that countless disciples will come to follow you."

  Just now Yu Ze Cheng saved and treated Yang Yi Ming in that scene, making all the tourists thoroughly put down their guard and work for Yu Ze Cheng with all their heart.

  Yu Ze nodded and said:

  "It's getting late, let's head back to the house to rest. You and Ling Ye Hong can stay here, you two seem to be hitting it off. Tonight is not a night for sleep, just as well, you can help me keep an eye on things around here."

  It's actually giving them two a holiday, so they can get in touch with their former Wolf Pack brothers. Lin Ye Hong nodded, indicating understanding and agreement.

  Yu Ze Cheng continued to say:

  "If someone comes to make trouble, the enemy is strong, abandon this place, you two must not be hurt and sacrifice for it. This place we can take back, burn it and rebuild it, but your lives are only one, your lives are more important than anything in my eyes."

  These words are purely buying people's hearts, and then they become a different story, warming the hearts of three nines, and immediately the two are extremely moved.

  Ma Tianyu and eight others also stayed here. For these former little rascals, this place is heaven, and they don't want to leave no matter what.

  Everything was arranged clearly, and Yu Zhen led the three members of the Fu family, including Master Liu Hu Zi, back to their division. On the way, Liu Hu Zi said:

  "After I'm gone, you'll be in charge and can contact Liu Daohan and other elderly people. You won't be able to hold this position for many years."

  Having said this, everyone was stunned, and Liu Hu Zi continued:

  "I think this mountain bamboo can be divided into two sections. You can also be the master of one section. In the future, there will come a day when I, an old man, am willing to serve you."

  Liu said, stretching out his hand and bowing slightly without getting up. Yu then hastily helped him up, saying:

  "What Grandpa Liu said is that if you have such ability, then there will be such a day. If that day comes, I will not let you down."

  Cold smile in heart:

  "Liu Hu Zi is indeed a master of calculation, thinking far ahead. The struggle for the helm will be at least several years later. For now, laying down the foundation and investing a small amount of money may lead to huge gains in the future. Fang Zheng's words are just empty talk."

  But on the surface, Yu was sincere and true, the two of them exchanged a smile, cherishing each other deeply.

  Everyone returned to their respective divisions, and this place was heavily guarded. Even if the Wild Wolf Gang disappeared, this habit has been passed down.

  Back in the rudder, the sky was getting late. Liu Huizi arranged rooms for the four of them. One suite and one single room for himself, and a room for the three members of the Fu family.

  Yu Zhen came here specifically to invite help from Dr. Zhong, to treat his injuries, and then pay respects to Shi Du Zhu.

  Unfortunately, I only chatted with Shi Du's master for a few words when a charming woman came out to entice Shi Du's master. This woman was Shi Du's seventh concubine, who was indeed beautiful and had a charming aura that was captivating. It can be said that she was comparable to Le Xiang and Yu Die whom I met at the Rouge Pavilion today.

  Yu Zhen then hastily left and returned to his own room, closing the door tightly behind him, preparing to meditate.

  Today was a busy day, but there were still gains. I made a good start for myself and must continue tomorrow.

  I'm really exhausted, today every matter I thought over and over again, my brain was racing, it's exhausting. But now is not the time to rest, Yu Ze Cheng sat up, starting to recall according to teacher Zhu Li's teaching of "Gentleman's Three Awakenings", thinking about whether there were any mistakes or omissions today.

  After thinking about these things, Yu Ze Cheng began to calculate tomorrow's journey and finally ended all thoughts. It's time to cultivate the Supreme Heavenly Dao Blood Seal Technique.

  Yu Ze Cheng didn't start cultivating immediately, but instead walked a few rounds on the ground, calmed his mind and washed his hands and face before sitting on the bed to begin circulating his true energy.

  Yu Zecheng was shocked to discover that his True Qi of the Tiger Roar Heaven Technique was more abundant than before, increased by threefold. Yu Zecheng felt that this was all due to the guidance of the Blood Demon Technique, which converted the food and fine wine he had devoured into True Qi.

  Yu Ze Cheng began to refine and transform these true energies, transforming them into strands of blood energy. Finally, all the true energy was transformed into light, and the blood energy increased to four strands.

  After finishing his training, Yu stood up lightly and casually threw out a series of punches and kicks. He could clearly feel the difference; movements that he couldn't do before were now easily accomplished, and each punch was more powerful than before.

  This is secondary, as long as Yu Zecheng can replace internal force with blood energy, a thread of red true yuan will appear on the iron fist in an instant. With a punch, he actually punched into the wall and made a three-inch deep hole. What's the big deal about the Great Power Golden Fist?

  The blood force acts on the feet, and the rest becomes a light and agile jump, instantly jumping to the rooftop, jumping more than one zhang high. What flying eaves and walking walls are also at this level.

  The blood energy was applied to the skin, and instantly the skin emitted a strange red color. Then, using his own dagger, he lightly stabbed and then fiercely stabbed, but it didn't cause any damage. This is even more solid than the Golden Bell Shield or the Iron Cloth Shirt. It seems that this blood energy is like a panacea, effective wherever it's used. The secret book of cultivating immortals is far stronger than the divine martial arts of the wulin by countless times.

  The only regret is that the blood energy consumption is too large, after trying a few times, the fourth strand of blood energy was consumed to wither away, leaving only a faint one. It seems that my body's blood energy can only withstand five or six punches and jumps before being completely depleted. Moreover, I still cannot freely convert between blood energy and true yuan, and even the simplest technique of gathering energy to transform into blood has not been mastered yet. It seems that my path forward is still far away.

  The experiment ended, and Yu Ze Cheng suddenly felt hungry, that kind of unbearable hunger, had to eat something. Yu Ze Cheng opened the door, only to find Fu Gang waiting in the dark by the door, guarding himself for the night, protecting himself.

  Yu Ze then felt a warmth in his heart, knowing that his efforts had finally paid off. Fu Gang and his son were now loyal to him, treating him as their true leader.

  When Yu Zecheng appeared, Fu Gang showed up and said:

  "What are you going to do, leader?"

  Yu Ze Cheng said:

  "I'm hungry, I need something to eat."

  Fu Gang replied:

  "Wait a minute, I asked Liu Shifu, we have night snacks here, I'll get some for you."

  Yu Ze then stretched out his hand and handed over one or two silver coins, saying:

  "Get more of it, everyone can have some, take this money, having money makes things easier."

  Fu Gang helped the elderly person understand the situation naturally, took over and turned to leave. Soon after, he brought several young servants, carrying a table of wine and dishes.

  Yu Ze Cheng and the three members of the Fu family sat around the table to eat and drink. Fu Qiang was injured today, but fortunately there was no infection, and he would recover in a few days. However, he couldn't drink alcohol.

  Everyone was eating and drinking together, but Yu then opened his arms and had a big feast, eating more than half of the dishes, enough for five people's worth of food. His stomach only slightly bulged, leaving the Fu family father and son staring in amazement.

  After finishing dinner, Yu Ze Cheng returned to his room and locked the door tightly. Now he couldn't practice the Blood Ring Technique anymore. Practicing martial arts required a balance of relaxation and tension; being too tense was not beneficial.

  Yu Ze Cheng took out two more secret books, "Invisible Annihilation of Spiritual Consciousness" and "Universal Soul Slaughter and Demon Refining Method", and began to recite the contents. The sooner he memorized them, the sooner he could burn them, this treasure absolutely cannot be revealed.

  After carrying it for a while, I can say that I basically memorized it. It was already the third watch of the night. Yu Ze Cheng then cultivated the Blood Slashing Seal for a while. As expected, everything he had eaten earlier was broken down by the seal, and he felt a bit hungry again. However, this time the effect was extremely good, and his blood energy increased by another thread, reaching five threads in total.

  Yu Ze Cheng couldn't help but let out a bitter laugh. According to the Supreme Taoist Blood Seal Scripture, true yuan and blood energy can naturally transform into each other. It's just the simplest layer, the most basic entry-level, with a cultivation method that's less than thirty words long, yet he himself can't even accomplish this step. How much more difficult will his future cultivation be? No wonder people say that cultivating immortality is so arduous.