Chapter 82: The Cottage of Seeking Knowledge

Since Yan Shuihan and the other two masters at the Fusion Stage joined the estate guards, Li Tianjun had not managed to recruit any more experts—the strength of war prisoners at this level was exceedingly rare. These three stood out quickly, establishing their authority among the guards and becoming Li Tianjun’s trusted aides, greatly easing his burden.

Though Murong Tie’s cultivation was ordinary, his abilities were exceptional, earning Yang Cheng’s favor. He was often taken along on outings, expressing his loyalty to the Yang family and thus becoming a core clan warrior, frequently waiting by Yang Cheng’s side.

The new-style residences in the East and West Courtyards had been completed in large numbers and were immediately allocated to Daniu, Maozi, and several food production supervisors. Hua Mingzhu’s second sister, who repeatedly contributed to new product development, also received a house, moving her whole family happily from their old, dilapidated home in the city’s slum to their new abode. Hua Mingzhu was now closer to home; from the front courtyard she could easily reach the new residence in the West Courtyard, often leading her junior disciples there for a feast.

These single-family villas, modeled entirely after Yang Cheng’s preferences from his previous life, delighted him so much he granted all the workshop employees a holiday, organizing a group tour of the new homes. The visit stirred their ambition, filling them with enthusiasm for their work.

Zhong Qiang and Murong Tie, as core clan warriors, were also each assigned a residence to settle their families and focus on their duties. For those whose families remained elsewhere, Yang Cheng issued a task to the Mercenary Corps, dispatching experts to escort them safely. After all, these men’s cultivation was not high; venturing out themselves might not guarantee their loved ones’ safety.

This matter drew attention from the upper echelons of the Mercenary Corps, for the commission was substantial—unusual for the families of mere clan warriors. It was hard to imagine a family willing to pay such a price for their subordinates.

Zhong Qiang and the others now primarily patrolled the rear courtyard, safeguarding places like the paper mill, which held the highest secrets. Most of their remaining time was spent improving their own abilities. They felt fortunate in their choice, soon able to reunite with their families. Originally, they expected their cultivation to stagnate as ordinary clan warriors, but the young master opened the “Hall of Knowledge,” allowing unrestricted access to dozens of manuals—not only withholding nothing, but encouraging a spirit of inquiry and continual self-improvement.

Though mastering too many disciplines may not benefit everyone, the wisdom of many schools can refine one’s understanding of the martial path. Drawing on the strengths of all, their comprehension deepened.

They wished to contribute to the Hall of Knowledge, yet leaking their sect or family’s secret techniques was taboo in the cultivation world. Each house had ancestral rules or initiation oaths; unless passed on through formal discipleship, intentional disclosure would provoke heavenly retribution.

After all, cultivation methods are the foundation of every sect and family, not something easily shared. Strengthening outsiders while exposing one’s weaknesses could cost the advantage in battle, so every sect strictly guarded their secrets.

Still, everyone noticed that some of the manuals were related to themselves or other estate guards, albeit improved. No one spoke of it; having joined the Yang family, their duty was to protect its secrets.

The Hall of Knowledge had its own incident. Shortly after its founding, Yang Cheng eagerly invited Liu Changqing, Bai Muyun, and Lu Baichuan to visit. Bai Muyun casually browsed several manuals and was startled to find one belonging to the Bai family, asking about its origin.

Yang Cheng and Lu Baichuan were embarrassed—so many manuals, unknown names, and unclear which were techniques Hua Mingzhu had learned in the martial arena, forgetting the original owner was present. Fortunately, Bai Muyun didn’t mind; seeing their hesitation, he guessed there were secrets best left unspoken and dropped the matter.

Liu Changqing had always coveted Lu Baichuan’s movement technique. Though Lu Baichuan’s strength was much less than his own, his uncanny agility bridged the gap. If Liu could master it, he would be even more formidable in combat—or, failing that, could escape gracefully.

He had assumed such techniques were exclusive secrets of Lu Baichuan or the Yang family, not something to ask about. Yet he discovered not only Mei Yuchen and Lu’s other disciples had mastered it, but so had all the estate warriors.

More astonishingly, “Ripple Step,” named by Yang Cheng, was openly displayed in the Hall of Knowledge. When Liu took it to read, no one glanced at him. Only Wei Xu came over, registering the manual and gently reminding him, “Elder Liu, please return it after reading—others are waiting.”

With the Hall of Knowledge, Lu Baichuan and the other two now had a place to study. Whenever idle, they would research a manual together, each offering insights. Sometimes arguments arose, sometimes they applauded each other’s understanding.

After each discussion, Lu Baichuan would annotate the manual with the trio’s opinions, improving it further. Old Luo would then compile a new edition.

Even Yang Cheng’s “Ripple Step” was revised by the three, this time guided by two prodigies. Compared to the original version from that unknown martial artist of the Dagger Gang, it was vastly more profound, greatly increasing speed.

Though the Yang family benefited, Bai and Liu cared little. Their mutual study not only enhanced themselves, but these techniques would greatly help their nieces and disciples.

The estate guards did not have such opportunities; many would eventually leave, and secrets were best unknown. Now, the guards’ overall strength had increased greatly, ensuring the safety of supply points, city shipments, and the White Creek Village route—which had even repelled two bands of thieves.

The guards’ treatment surpassed that of any other family by far. Not only was their monthly pay high and the food excellent, but after two years, with no mishaps, they could leave freely. Liu Feng and others, having earned merit in the night raid against the Dagger Gang, had their terms reduced by half a year. In just over a year, they could return home.

They enjoyed four days off each month, free to do as they wished, with no constraints. The rest of the time was mostly spent on cultivation. Everyone marveled—this was not servitude, but true training.

All were deeply grateful to the Yang family, and many wished to stay permanently—but only after passing Li Tianjun’s assessment could they join.

Outside the front hall, the plaza resounded daily with shouts—the guards trained with great zeal. Occasionally, six young men and women would join, but most frequent among them was the girl called Hua Mingzhu, who usually sat quietly aside, watching the sparring.

Liu Feng and Mei Yuchen were close friends, and Liu always practiced with Mei. Each time, Liu was amazed at Mei’s rapid progress, finding it harder to keep up. Sometimes, he sensed Mei holding back, sparing Liu’s dignity. Inwardly, Liu sighed, certain Mei Yuchen would one day become renowned throughout the world.