The Martial Association's headquarters was particularly lively today.

Led by Zhao Gandan, a host of high-ranking officials surrounded Su Guobang as he entered the hall.

"President, you should have given us a heads-up about your return. It was so sudden."

"Exactly, President. If you had informed us in advance, we could have prepared a proper welcome."

Su Guobang waved his hand impatiently, glanced at the crowd, and said, "I'm no dignitary, so what's the need for a welcome? We martial artists don't bother with such empty formalities!"

"Yes, yes, President, you're right to criticize us," Zhao Gandan said, his face wreathed in a humble smile.

It might have seemed as if Zhao Gandan was inept at speaking and had annoyed Su Guobang with his talk of formalities, but in reality, he was quite articulate. He had provoked Su Guobang's criticism on purpose, all to reinforce the president's status. Having toiled for Su Guobang for decades, how could Zhao Gandan not understand his character? It was this very gift of gab that had secured him the high position of vice president.

"By the way, President, what were the results of the provincial martial arts summit?"

Su Guobang shook his head helplessly. "The same as always." He sighed, not wishing to elaborate. Every year at the summit, the Sea City Martial Association was the butt of jokes among the other associations. It had been several years since they had qualified for the world tournament, and they couldn't even manage a top-three provincial ranking.

As they were walking, Su Guobang suddenly stopped and fixed his gaze on Han Zhitao in the crowd. Han Zhitao's bruised and swollen face, which resembled a pig's head, was too eye-catching to ignore.

Su Guobang barked, "Look at the state of you! Did you lose a fight outside?"

Han Zhitao hung his head, not daring to make a sound as a chill ran down his spine. Although he had registered with the Martial Association some time ago, he was merely a low-level member. He didn't even have the standing to meet a director, let alone the legendary President Su, so it was no surprise he was nervous.

Zhao Gandan hurried over, smiling. "Ah, President, let me introduce you. This is my new disciple, Han Zhitao." To the young man, he said, "Zhitao, quickly, greet your Martial Uncle!"

Upon hearing this, Han Zhitao promptly bowed respectfully, appearing quite docile. "Zhitao pays his respects to Martial Uncle."

Su Guobang's interest was piqued. "I never expected you, Old Zhao, to take on a disciple. This boy must be exceptional."

Zhao Gandan beamed with pride. "President, I dare say that Sea City won't produce a martial arts prodigy like Zhitao once in a hundred years."

"Oh?" Su Guobang raised his eyebrows, his interest growing. He beckoned to Han Zhitao. "Boy, come closer and let this old man take a look at you."

Han Zhitao tremblingly approached Su Guobang. The president extended his hands and began to knead Han Zhitao's shoulders, then palpated his bones and muscles as if appraising a priceless work of art.

After about two minutes, Su Guobang retracted his hands and looked at Han Zhitao with a satisfied expression. "Your name is Zhitao, right?"

"Yes, Martial Uncle."

"Not bad. Not bad at all. Your physical foundation is indeed that of a prodigy." Stroking his beard, Su Guobang added, "Tell me, Zhitao, have you received guidance from a master or had some kind of fortuitous encounter?"

At this, Han Zhitao froze for a moment before shaking his head in bewilderment.

"Now that's strange," Su Guobang frowned, staring at him. "Your natural constitution was actually quite ordinary. But when I examined you just now... I discovered that your foundation has been refined by some extraordinary medicine. That's why it is so good now." He concluded, "In other words, your talent isn't innate; it's acquired."

Zhao Gandan, standing nearby, chuckled. "Regardless, Zhitao is now someone our Sea City Martial Association must cultivate with priority."

"That's true," Su Guobang nodded. "Old Zhao, cultivate him well. Perhaps this boy can even achieve a high rank for our Sea City Martial Association at the next 'Martial Heaven Ritual'."

At this, a director spoke up. "President, you said Zhitao's once-in-a-century foundation is due to some extraordinary medicine. If we could find this medicine and use it on a large scale for our younger generation, wouldn't that..." He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood his meaning.

Su Guobang shook his head with a faint smile. "A medicine capable of turning an ordinary person into a martial arts prodigy... Do you think that's something easily obtained? Even if we found some, how much could there be? If such a medicine truly existed, I'm afraid even the reclusive sects and Martial Families would fight tooth and nail for it."

Hearing this, everyone lowered their heads.

"Alright, everyone disperse. Go about your business. I'm just going to take a stroll; no need to follow!"

***

Time passed like a flowing river, and in the blink of an eye, two more days went by.

Luo Xiu had been home for two days and was so idle he felt sick from boredom. He suddenly found himself envying Xu Qianqing, who had classes to attend every day and led a fulfilling life.

That evening, after dinner, Luo Xiu rode his electric scooter out, leaving Sun Li and Su Shanyue in Xu Qianqing's care. He planned to head over to Lan Gui Casino for a visit. Although he had only agreed to become general manager due to Su Shenyun's coercion, since he had accepted the position, it wasn't right to completely shirk his responsibilities. He should at least show his face and make an appearance.

After arriving at the casino, Luo Xiu wandered aimlessly through the main hall. The wealthy patrons at the gaming tables were playing for high stakes, with chips worth millions or even tens of millions changing hands with every bet. Some people became rich overnight here, while others lost everything.

After a lap, Luo Xiu found it all rather dull and was about to head upstairs to his office to look at financial reports. Just as he reached the staircase, he spotted two familiar faces at a nearby table.

Lin Fei and Xu Tao.

Likely due to losing money, both were in a foul mood and arguing. Luo Xiu looked at the couple, finding the situation absurd. After everything that happened with the Lin Family, these two still had the nerve to be out gambling. No wonder Lin Daqi prefers Lin Xiyue over Lin Fei; she's nothing but a good-for-nothing spendthrift!

"Hey, isn't that Luo Xiu?" Lin Fei had also noticed him and called out in a sardonic tone. "Luo Xiu, what are you up to?" she asked, her face a mask of ridicule.

Luo Xiu smiled. "Just heading upstairs. You two carry on."

He had no desire to bother the wretched pair. In any case, their gambling was bringing profit to the casino. As its general manager, he needed to maintain a broader perspective.

"Upstairs?" Lin Fei scoffed. "Do you even know what's up there? Even we aren't qualified to go up. A bumpkin like you thinks you can?"

Nearby, Xu Tao took a deep drag from his cigarette and glared at Luo Xiu. "I was wondering why I kept losing today. So it's because I ran into you. What rotten luck!"

Lin Fei pursed her lips. "The guy's like a piece of shit; you run into him everywhere. Luo Xiu, I'm begging you, get lost! You're ruining my luck! Forget going upstairs—even this main hall isn't a place for your kind! Don't you have any awareness of your own station?"

Luo Xiu shook his head with a light laugh. "I give you an inch, and you try to take a mile, is that it?"

Lin Fei looked at him as if he were an ant and sneered, "Ooh, listen to you, so tough. Didn't you already take a little trip to a grove in the suburbs? What, are your wounds healed already? Back to court death again? Should I have someone escort you to the grove again?"

Luo Xiu's expression turned frosty. So it was Lin Fei who had me taken to that grove last time.

Losing her patience, Lin Fei's gaze hardened. "As it happens, I know the manager of this casino. If you don't get lost right now, I'll have him throw you out!"

A thought seemed to strike Xu Tao, and he laughed. "Oh, right, didn't you cause a scene here last time? Why don't you try it again today if you've got the guts?"

Luo Xiu shrugged, looking at them with a playful expression. "Go on then. Call someone."

"So you'd rather do this the hard way, huh?" Lin Fei gritted her teeth, pulled a phone out of her LV bag, and dialed a number. "Hello, is this Brother Wen? I'm a friend of Ling Feng. There's a troublemaker here. Could you come handle it right away? We're at table 37."

Hanging up, she and Xu Tao exchanged a smug look.

"You hick," she spat at Luo Xiu. "Trying to act tough with me? Look at yourself. You're done for tonight!"

Xu Tao wrapped his arm around Lin Fei's shoulders and chuckled. "Even though I lost some money today, seeing this hick get taught a lesson will be quite enjoyable."

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