In this chaotic world, only by mastering power can one control their own fate.
Gu Jingang is clearly no ordinary Martial Artist.
Although they live in the same manor, Gu Sheng has never interacted with Gu Jingang, at best catching a distant glimpse during manor-wide holiday celebrations.
It's said that Gu Jingang's family was originally ordinary tenant farmers, but with his innate Divine Power, he seized the chance to train in martial arts and soared to success. Eventually, he became an instructor in Gu's Manor, married the head family's legitimate daughter, and achieved a very high status—becoming a model many tenant farmers dream of emulating.
Before awakening his innate wisdom, Gu Sheng had similar aspirations, hoping he, too, was born with the strong talent of Divine Power. Unfortunately, it remained nothing more than quiet musings in the dead of night.
Seeming to notice the longing in Gu Sheng's eyes, Li Lian spoke up:
"Asheng, you're only fourteen now, yet you managed to single-handedly slay a vicious wolf. If you ever have the chance to train in martial arts, you'll certainly be no less capable than Instructor Gu."
This was her genuine opinion.
Just now, witnessing the bravery and decisiveness of Gu Sheng killing the wolf, Li Lian felt his potential far exceeded what she had previously imagined. If he truly possesses the talent for martial training, he could undoubtedly achieve great accomplishments in the future.
Gu Sheng simply smiled, then his expression suddenly shifted, and he asked:
"I remember Brother Erniu practiced martial arts too. Does he know Instructor Gu well?"
"I've heard him mention this Instructor Gu before. He's said to be a very stern person. Unfortunately, your Brother Erniu wasn't the right fit. After practicing for a while and failing to reach entry-level, he gave up. But in the future, we must make sure Wan'er trains in martial arts!"
Li Lian spoke firmly, and today's events only reinforced her determination.
In the past, when Gu Erniu often said he would venture deeper into the mountains to save money so Gu Wan could train in martial arts someday, she had thought it could wait. But tonight's wolf attack sharply reminded her of the critical importance of strength!
"I vaguely heard your Brother Erniu muttering that Instructor Gu's Martial Arts Realm is extraordinary, supposedly reaching what's called the Blood Refining Realm, capable of tearing apart tigers and leopards with bare hands!"
"If Wan'er could achieve such a realm someday, then that would truly be…"
Her words were unintentional, but Gu Sheng listened intently.
Ripples formed in Gu Sheng's heart.
"The Blood Refining Realm… Martial training within the manor is rarely disseminated. I once heard father say that entry-level for Martial Artists starts with tempering the skin. But I wonder, what kind of realm is this Blood Refining Realm?"
As the two spoke softly, Gu Sheng's gaze suddenly hardened. He saw the bald, burly man walking toward their small courtyard.
…
Gu Jingang had initially intended to leave after eliminating the wolf pack.
But his gaze swept across and landed on the wolf corpse thrown outside the hedge, sparking a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
In the manor, wolves had gotten into many households, causing attacks. However, those who managed to counterattack were extremely rare.
The majority had been devoured by wolves.
The reason was simple.
Courage!
Most manor people spend their entire lives within this area, not to mention battling fierce beasts—many haven't even fought anyone.
When faced with a vicious wolf, their legs turned weak, their strength wasted. Naturally, they were no match for the wild wolves.
Even those who survived often managed it thanks to multiple family members combining forces to kill the invading wolf.
But a wolf corpse like the one before him, sliced cleanly in two, was unheard of.
He couldn't help but feel astonished.
"This outer manor doesn't seem to have any Refining Skin Realm Martial Artists?"
Martial Artists are the core strength of the manor and naturally carry significant status. If training succeeds, the head family will go to great lengths to recruit them.
Gu Jingang surveyed the courtyard's setup, sensing several eyes watching him.
"The wolves have been dealt with; you don't need to worry anymore."
Soon after…
Sounds of heavy objects being moved came from within the room.
After a while, a thin young man slowly walked out, followed by a woman holding a young boy's hand.
The young man and woman respectfully thanked him:
"Thank you, Instructor Gu, for eliminating the wolves!"
This combination made Gu Jingang pause in surprise, then frown and ask:
"Where are the men in your household?"
Li Lian bowed gracefully and replied softly:
"It's just the three of us at home. My husband went into the mountains with the manor's Martial Artists and hasn't returned yet."
Gu Jingang was stunned and pointed at the wolf corpse outside the wall:
"Then who killed that wolf?"
Gu Sheng answered calmly and without arrogance:
"It was me."
Gu Jingang's eyes flashed sharply, scrutinizing Gu Sheng closely. When he spotted the scrapes and damage on his body and the bloodied machete in his hands, his surprise deepened.
A thin, frail youth capable of singlehandedly killing a vicious wolf?
And so cleanly and decisively?
The fatal wound on the wolf corpse appeared to have been caused by a single strike. Though it was somewhat opportunistic, severing the waist, the sheer force required was still impressive.
"You haven't trained in martial arts, have you?"
Gu Jingang stared at Gu Sheng, making Li Lian nervous.
Gu Sheng replied:
"Never trained. I've only practiced chopping firewood for a few days to build some strength. When I turn fifteen, I'll certainly ask Instructor Gu to train me in martial arts so I can become as powerful as you and protect the manor residents."
Gu Jingang froze for a moment, then burst into laughter.
"You're an interesting one, boy. What's your name?"
"Gu Sheng—Sheng as in 'prosperity.'"
"Gu Sheng… Good lad, I'll remember you. Work hard and strive to join the martial training grounds next year."
Gu Jingang laughed heartily and left.
In his heart, however, he thought that if this boy one day truly saved up enough tuition money, he wouldn't mind giving him a small nudge forward.
Watching Gu Jingang's departing figure, Gu Sheng wasn't overly disappointed.
That kind of scenario where a master notices someone's potential, becomes ecstatic, and takes them as a disciple—better to not dwell on such dreams.
In this chaotic era, taking a disciple is a matter of extreme caution. The master-disciple bond is like father and son; if one accidentally recruits an ungrateful wretch, the result could be catastrophic!
Giving away heartfelt effort is one thing, but encountering someone malicious might lead to losing one's livelihood entirely!
No matter how much potential Gu Sheng displayed, what business was it of Gu Jingang's?
"All manor residents, the wolf pack has been completely eliminated. Rest assured!"
Gu Jingang's booming voice echoed, resounding throughout the area, and Gu Sheng seemed to hear long sighs of relief all around.
Soon after…
Faint sobs reached his ears.
Tonight's wolf attack had claimed at least a dozen lives.
Gu Sheng and Li Lian exchanged glances, both sighing. In this chaotic era, human lives were as fragile as grasses. People were accustomed to it, but life must go on.
The danger was over for now.
Nevertheless, fear gripped Li Lian and Gu Wan. Gu Sheng also felt it was better to look after each other, so he decided to lay out a ground mat at Gu Erniu's home and improvise for the night until dawn.
Having just fended off the wolf pack, Gu Sheng's emotions were still unsettled, and various chaotic thoughts surfaced repeatedly.
…
The next day, before dawn, Gu Sheng bid farewell to Li Lian and carried the two halves of the wolf corpse back home.
At home, the wooden door was nearly shattered, making him grimace. However, the two butchered wolves gave Gu Sheng much solace—these were his spoils of battle.
"How should I handle them?"
Gu Sheng examined the two wolf corpses, their blood already coagulated. But the wolf skins, meat, and bones were of value.
"The meat can be dried into jerky for slow consumption, the bones can be boiled for soup, and the hides can be traded at the manor market for some food. My family's out of rice, after all."
Gu Sheng's eyes lit with joy.
Though last night had been perilous, the gains were substantial.
Two slain wild wolves meant a significant boost to Gu Sheng's resources.
Though wolf meat tasted bad, it was still far superior to mere wild herbs and weeds. Gu Sheng desperately needed meat to replenish his nutrition; without it, he could never grow strong.
While there was still time…
Gu Sheng began processing the wolf corpses.
After an arduous effort, he finally finished separating the two wild wolves. Looking at the several large basins full of wolf meat, Gu Sheng's heart brimmed with joy—even the wound on his back seemed worth it.
He was simply too poor right now!
Boiling wolf bones, eating coarse rice cakes, and sipping fragrant bone soup, Gu Sheng couldn't help but squint in satisfaction, feeling his stomach warm, the faint gamey taste disregarded.
The fatigue from last night melted away completely.
Now, he finally had time to examine his proficiency panel.