Next day.
Lin Xuan Qi woke up earlier than usual.
He had a long day ahead as there were many things he wanted to accomplish for the day.
First, he wanted to negotiate for a better deal with Hun Xiong Kun now that he could supply fifty kilograms of rice daily.
And secondly, the rewards from the system spurred him to try and seek out more personnel for the mansion.
Lee He Song was practicing his Martial Arts, and he joined in the morning practice with Lee He Song.
He wasn't one to forgo something that he had started.
On and off during the practice he also tried some of the moves from the Cloud-Stride Steps.
"Up so early?" Liu Shi Shi, who was dressed like a young master again, gave out a yawn and sat down by the side, watching Lee He Song and Lin Xuan Qi.
Lee He Song at that moment was teaching Lin Xuan Qi how to throw his signature move, the tiger howl punch.
"Pull back your arms, hold the breath, and strike twisting your waist."
"Let me try it."
Lin Xuan Qi said, closed his eyes and he took a deep breath.
When he felt the Qi drawn from his dan tian, he threw out his punch and twisted his back, giving his punch the necessary force.
Whoosh.
Sound like the tiger howling could be heard as his fist broke through the air.
Lee He Song nodded approvingly at Lin Xuan Qi's execution.
"Master Lin, you are one of the most talented in this from what I've seen so far." Lee He Song glanced over at Liu Shi Shi.
The other most talented person he knew was her.
Liu Shi Shi sitting by the side was surprised at Lin Xuan Qi's ability to learn it so fast.
She bit her lower lip at the fact that not only was Lin Xuan Qi talented in poetry but also Martial Arts.
It brought out her competitive nature, but she stopped herself.
She had learned Martial Arts since young and was now a Mid Tiered Martial Arts fighter like Lee He Song.
Lin Xuan Qi didn't seem to even be a Low Tiered Martial Arts fighter.
However, Lin Xuan Qi also had his own idea.
"Master Lee, sorry if it seems rude but if you fought with Shi Shi, who would win?" He asked, trying to gauge the ability of Liu Shi Shi so he could plan for the security of the mansion.
"Me and Shi Shi?" Lee He Song pondered for a moment, and he said, "I would say that we are even."
Lin Xuan Qi also made Lee He Song realize that Lin Xuan Qi had trusted him fully and hadn't seen what Liu Shi Shi could do.
"Shi Shi, why don't you show Master Lin what you are capable of?"
Yawn.
Liu Shi Shi yawned, stood up and stretched her hands.
"Fine, but I'm hungry without breakfast. So, it might not be my full capability."
Lin Xuan Qi nodded and said, "Sure, that's understood."
Sure, downplay it and exceed all expectations, he lamented silently to himself.
He had seen those top students who had always said they didn't revise for exams but still came out top.
Hopefully, Liu Shi Shi was top like them.
His worries were quelled when he saw Liu Shi Shi showcasing what she could do.
Zing.
Liu Shi Shi held onto her belt and pulled something out from it.
Bright reflections of the morning sun shone onto Lin Xuan Qi's eyes, forcing him to narrow his eyes and put his hand up in front of his face.
The item she had gotten out from her belt was a sword.
It was flexible enough to be stored as a belt.
Lin Xuan Qi saw Liu Shi Shi wield the sword and swing it from her feet upwards, bringing the fallen leaves flying up into the air.
With the leaves floating, she swung the sword and Lin Xuan Qi could see something like a wave shot out from the blade of the sword.
It didn't travel very far but was deadly enough to slice the leaves in halves.
"I'm done." Liu Shi Shi stood straight, blew out a long steady stream of breath and kept her belt sword.
Lin Xuan Qi nodded at her and said, "Thanks. It was as Master Lee had said. You are indeed as good as he is."
He was glad with what he saw.
That meant that it would be safe to let Liu Shi Shi stay behind while he and Lee He Song ventured out.
"Breakfast is ready."
As Lin Xuan Qi was thinking about it, Xue Cong's voice called out to him.
Lee He Song and Liu Shi Shi joined him in the dining hall for breakfast.
...
It was after an incense time had passed when Hun Xiong Kun's men arrived.
Lin Xuan Qi, who had been waiting for them, saw that there were a few burly men with swords in their hands this time.
He figured that Hun Xiong Kun must have hired them to protect the delivery of rice.
Which was great for him.
Lee He Song would be better off protecting him and his servant girls than worrying about the delivery.
"Master Lee, I'm planning to go and visit Hun Xiong Kun.
"It'll be great if you come with me.
"And by the way, have you got any idea who the assailants were previously?" Lin Xuan Qi asked.
"I have a hunch.
"Most likely they are from the Iron Fist Martial Hall.
"Their patrons are most likely from the Su and Wu Clan.
"We can pay them a visit later if you want." Lee He Song said.
"Maybe not now." Lin Xuan Qi replied.
He didn't want to be rash and walk into the enemy's den without any preparation.
It was better if he came up with a plan first.
He knew that he needed to become stronger and have some alliances before settling scores first.
With that in mind, they followed the convoy of Hun Xiong Kun's men to the rice store.