Why do I have so many masters?

Clang, a light ring.

A broadsword was struck from the grip and spun in the air before stabbing into the ground. The tough bluestone floor, which might as well have been tofu in front of the blade's edge, offered no resistance and was pierced halfway through.

This was an exceedingly standard Great Qin Broad Saber, its copper beast-head hilt already polished smooth, revealing more than half of the blade still quivering slightly above the ground.

Li San's eyes widened as he looked at the war saber buried ten paces away, then at his own empty palms. His face seemed to freeze for a moment before he sighed, shaking his head in resignation, and said,

"Amazing!"

"I didn't expect you, little brother Chuan Lian, to be so skilled. Truly, with this level of prowess, how could you have lain half-dead in bed for more than two years... causing my little sister to suffer so much."

Standing three yards away, Chuan Lian touched his hair somewhat awkwardly. Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire

His body had recovered from its previous emaciation, and though still slightly frail, he now looked like a normal person. His straw-like hair, in just a few hours, had grown back, draped over his shoulders, touched by an occasional blood-red highlight in the winter sun, lending him a somewhat eerie charm.

Li San smacked his lips, walked over, and pulled the saber out with his hand.

His bare arms were like steel rods, and at this moment, his right arm was still tingling slightly, not yet recovered from the backlash of their brief exchange. He sheathed the saber, rubbed his shoulder to ease the soreness, and couldn't help but feel emotional.

Another one...

His gaze swept over the somewhat apprehensive Chuan Lian. In the stocky man's eyes was a hint of jealousy but also a touch of admiration.

He was a seasoned Seventh Rank Martial Artist, his saber technique honed on the battlefield amidst rolling heads, brimming with killing intent and madness, a match for few. Yet, within thirty moves, Chuan Lian disarmed him without even allowing him to close within a yard.

For a soldier used to close-quarters combat, this was somewhat disheartening.

But it was precisely this disheartening moment that proved the true extent of the strength of the young man who had lain for over two years.

Although Chuan Lian did not have the unique aura of a Middle Third Rank Martial Artist like Gongsun Jing, without a doubt, he possessed the combat power of a Sixth Rank Martial Artist. The vigorous qi he wielded earlier was almost tangible, and his Qi Force was not the same cyan as Meng Yuexue's but tinged with a light blood-red.

Though the color was blood-like, it lacked any trace of evil, only exuding an upright and proper air.

Freak.

Li San couldn't help but curse inwardly.

But then he thought of how this young man had persisted for over two years, poisoned by a strange toxin, his will undoubtedly steadfast.

Struggling against the poison instinctively every day for over two years, without sleep, assisted by various medicinal herbs, it was clear that facing such a major ordeal and surviving, his martial power would have increased significantly after waking.

Moreover, the poison that afflicted him also seemed peculiar.

With the saber in his right hand, he casually handed it to a subordinate and took a towel, soaking it in scalding hot water, then raised it to wipe down his upper body. Unlike Chuan Lian, his martial arts mainly consisted of External Cultivation, and after the recent bout, he was already sweating profusely.

The hot water-soaked towel scraped across his arms, stimulating his pores to open and muscles to relax. Li San couldn't help but exhale a long breath, exclaiming,

"Refreshing!"

Then, glancing at the young man, he laughed and said,

"Anyway, you've finally woken up, so be good to Sister Meng from now on."

"It would be worth her caring for you for so long."

Having traveled together these days, he had observed Meng Yuexue's actions, already considering the young girl as his own sister. His words inevitably carried a bit of a lecturing tone.

Chuan Lian's wooden expression softened as he nodded earnestly.

Li San let out a big laugh, draped the towel over his shoulder, and said,

"Now that you're awake, Sister Meng can finally relax. Our mission for the Young Master is complete, and we can return to the Giant Whale Gang."

"We've just secured the boss' territory, and we're in need of people. Otherwise, I could have stayed to accompany you two a bit longer. If you're free later on, feel free to visit me in Xi Dingzhou for a drink..."

"Li San, brother..."

Just then, Chuan Lian suddenly interrupted Li San. Chuan Lian was a person of cautious and reserved nature, and making such an interruption indicated a decisive resolve. His eyes lifted, looking curiously at Li San. He pursed his lips and said softly,

"Why wait for later?"

Li San was taken aback, and then he realized what Chuan Lian meant. His eyes widened slightly as he said,

"You, you mean..."

Chuan Lian nodded, a hint of embarrassed smile appearing on his lips as he scratched his head and said,

"I've discussed it with my junior sister... Brother Wang's kindness is impossible to repay in full. These days have also been tough on Sister Meng. I plan to recuperate for a couple of years, and after weighing my options, since my sect is destroyed and there's nowhere to go, I might as well join Brother Wang. I'm familiar with the place, and it gives me a chance to repay Brother Wang's great kindness."

A composed look appeared on the young man's wooden face as he said,

"In the world of Jianghu, injuries are inevitable. Born in Pharmacist Valley, my medical skills should prove somewhat useful."

He paused, then recalling the now-dilapidated reputation of Pharmacist Valley compared to before his collapse, Chuan Lian's face showed no trace of embarrassment. He was about to clarify, but the burly man in front had already scooped him up in a bear hug, laughing heartily and saying,

"Useful! More than useful..." Li San had just finished sparring with Chuan Lian. Sweat clung to his body, especially under his arms, nearly as toxic as Jianghu's deadliest poisons. Chuan Lian hailed from a prominent Jianghu medical clan and had an exceptionally keen sense of smell, so he was overwhelmed to the point of pallor, while Li San seemed oblivious, only laughing heartily.

It was indeed very worthwhile.

In Jianghu gangs, those who treated injuries were at most a somewhat famous doctor, barely managing ordinary illnesses and wounds.

But the person in front of them was the sole heir of a major medical clan in the State City, almost certainly the next Valley Master of Pharmacist Valley if not for those unexpected changes, not to mention a master whose combat power soared above a Seventh Rank Martial Artist.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, such treatment, such grandeur!

Damn, I almost want to slice myself open just to give it a try.

Chuan Lian was nearly knocked unconscious by the stench.

But Li San's laughter grew even more reckless.

...

The clear, cold mountain spring flowed over Wang Anfeng's body, cooling both his muscles and spirit.

Several people stood nearby, including the man who had reported earlier, Yu Jianmu, who was solemnly recounting the latest movements of Jianghu forces.

Wang Anfeng exhaled and slowly stood up.

This was now the base of the Giant Whale Gang.

The water cascaded off the young man's muscles and was swiftly evaporated by his Inner Strength, forming white vapor. Ironclad Guards stood by his side, holding his undergarments, attending to Wang Anfeng as he dressed.

He wasn't used to this sort of thing, but with battle imminent, his mind was growing as tranquil as a still well, without the slightest disturbance in emotion.

He could endure simple meals.

He could endure luxury and extravagance.

All forms are formless.

The first layer was cotton and linen underwear, followed by the second layer—an inner Armor woven from cold-forged iron threads, extremely thin yet heavy. Ordinary weapons couldn't hope to slash through this Armor, and even arrows or spears specialized in penetrating Armor would struggle.

The third layer was an overcoat of brocaded battle robes, white with embroidered crimson dragons.

Finally, Yu Jianmu, exerting his Inner Strength, presented Wang Anfeng with a suite of War Armor: a breastplate, shoulder Armor, Arm Armor, all complete yet not unwieldy. It didn't give the impression of a heavy military commander but rather the dashing flair of a Jianghu Ranger.

The topknot he normally wore was undone, his black hair cascading loosely.

Then it was tied back into a high ponytail with an iron ring, the black locks hanging down. Yu Jianmu seemed to notice a slight change in the Young Master's features but then dismissed it as his imagination, chiding himself inwardly without much concern.

Wang Anfeng raised his right hand, slowly exercising his fingers.

The War Armor naturally compressed his body, quickening the blood flow and bringing a surge of powerful force.

Though cumbersome, his punches and kicks carried even greater energy.

Previously, Tan Yurou was the only one who knew that he was the Bookkeeper from back then, at their first meeting. The Sixth Rank female Martial Artist lurking in the shadows had already been dealt with during the chaos in the Tan Residence.

His appearance had matured over the past two years, already different from his younger days.

Now, he had employed the Disguise Technique taught by his Master, making subtle changes to his features, adding more distinctions between the Bookkeeper and the Young Master of the Giant Whale Gang. Unless one was thoroughly familiar, they might at most notice a slight resemblance between the two.

Over time, he would slowly accentuate their differences until the Bookkeeper of Fufeng and the Young Master of the Giant Whale Gang were completely separate entities, with entirely distinct Martial Arts styles.

After all, the Young Master of the Giant Whale Gang needed to maintain good relations with Immortal Pavilion.

There weren't many in the world who could convincingly display two distinct Martial Arts styles without significantly impacting their combat effectiveness, but he was one of the few.

Even if someone became suspicious, how could the Bookkeeper, who once had mediocre Inner Strength and terrible External Cultivation but excelled in swordsmanship, be the same as the Young Master of the Giant Whale Gang, who was proficient in External Cultivation and skilled in hand-to-hand combat?

The only flaw was that he had displayed his swordsmanship before.

Wang Anfeng frowned slightly but then smoothed it out.

No matter, as long as the Bookkeeper showed improvement in swordsmanship from then on.

He wondered who the official was who had recorded the Constellation Ranking List back then...

He felt he should thank them.

Collecting his thoughts, he reached over to belt the Wooden Sword at his waist as a ceremonial weapon while Yu Jianmu offered a Mixed Iron Bright Silver Spear with a blade larger than typical Iron Spears, prism-shaped with its edges splitting apart like dragon's teeth.

Wang Anfeng accepted the Spear and stepped forward with measured strides.

PS: Here's the first update...

I'd like to express my gratitude for the generous support from Mo Kongxiang, the prosperous luck of Wuyou Zuisheng Jixiang, and the thunderous benevolence of Fa Hai Lei Yin—much appreciated. (starstruck eyes)