Full Chapter Name: Poor in Literature and Rich in Martial Arts, the Banquet of the Second Generation
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Soft power, also known as hidden power, is an advanced martial arts technique that allows practitioners to manipulate force subtly and precisely.
This technique involves concentrating energy at a specific point and then releasing it within the target, causing internal damage without immediate external signs. Martial artists can deliver devastating blows that seem effortless, with minimal visible impact.
In Xue Jing's demonstration, when he struck the dynamometer with soft power, the force was concentrated entirely on the fist pad rather than the machine. This is why the dynamometer didn't register the impact right away, but the fist pad was torn apart from the inside out.
Masters like Meng Qingjiao can control this energy with precision, making powerful moves appear effortless. They can, for example, lightly push someone and send them flying without causing harm, directing energy solely for the purpose of "pushing" rather than inflicting damage.
Since recently reaching Level 6 in Strength (internal power), Xue Jing quickly grasped the basics of soft power. However, he still lacks the proficiency to execute it silently and seamlessly, which is why his punch produced a dull thud instead of being completely noiseless.
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After demonstrating his newfound ability, Xue Jing turned to a nearby disciple. "Brother, could you go to the warehouse and get a new boxing pad for the dynamometer?" he asked with a smile.
He felt a bit strange, almost like a leader who had caused trouble for others and now needed them to clean up the mess. But it was the disciples who had urged him to demonstrate his skill, so he couldn't be blamed for the damaged pad. He chuckled to himself, realizing he had inadvertently asserted some authority.
The disciple, unaware of Xue Jing's internal musings, quickly nodded and replied respectfully, "Yes, Junior Brother!"
Xue Jing smiled, said nothing more, and left the training hall at a leisurely pace.
As he stepped outside, he noticed Chen Fuguang waiting for him. Xue Jing immediately approached him, asking, "Brother Chen, do you have something to discuss with me?"
Chen Fuguang put an arm around Xue Jing's shoulders, smiling. "The dojo just received a commission that seems perfect for you. Interested in giving it a try?"
Xue Jing's curiosity was piqued. "Please tell me more, Brother."
Since beginning his practice of the Armor-shaking Technique, Xue Jing had realized the truth behind the saying, "The poor are good at literature, but the rich are good at martial arts." The secret medicines he consumed daily for his training cost nearly 10,000 Zhuxia coins. And that was just the cost price—raw materials and processing fees, meaning Canglong Dojo was absorbing a loss to support him.
Many of these secret medicine ingredients had to be sourced from border areas, often purchased from companies with exorbitant prices, especially those related to "dragons," which were particularly expensive. As his cultivation advanced, the demand for more and costlier medicines would only increase.
This was also why the direct disciples were always so busy, often disappearing for long periods. They needed to make money.
Xue Jing's current income consisted of the 200,000 yuan monthly salary from the containment company, along with the bonuses and subsidies from completing containment missions. However, the latter was an unstable income stream. If this continued, he wouldn't be able to sustain his martial arts training needs.
Therefore, he had asked Chen Fuguang a few days ago to inform him if any suitable commissions had came up. Now, it seemed there was news.
Chen Fuguang took out his phone, tapped a few buttons, and handed it to Xue Jing, who read the information displayed.
[No. 617, Jinhai Street, Dongcheng District, Ruizhu Hotel, Tel: XXXXXXX]
After memorizing the address, Xue Jing returned the phone to Chen Fuguang, who explained, "The client is Ruizhu Hotel. Last night, one of their guests was mysteriously attacked and killed."
"Mysteriously killed?" Xue Jing asked, intrigued.
Chen Fuguang nodded thoughtfully. "A young woman in her twenties, on a business trip to Qingcheng, was staying in her room when she was suddenly attacked. Her body was found mutilated as if it had been gnawed apart. It's unclear whether this was the work of a twisted killer or something else."
"Were there any clues from the surveillance cameras?" Xue Jing inquired.
"No, the hotel's corridor surveillance didn't capture anyone entering or leaving the floor around the time of her death," Chen Fuguang replied. "The perpetrator might have entered the room through other means, like a window or balcony."
"So they suspect the murderer might have martial arts skills and used them to break in?" Xue Jing surmised.
"Exactly," Chen Fuguang confirmed. "Hotel murders aren't uncommon, and they usually involve calling the police. But this case is different because there's a high-profile banquet at Ruizhu Hotel tomorrow, hosted by some influential young people from the North City District. Their parents are either council members or company presidents, so the hotel can't afford any risks. They've hired several dojos, including ours, to provide security."
Xue Jing frowned. "Someone died there, and they still want to hold a banquet? Why not just change the venue?"
Chen Fuguang chuckled helplessly. "The hotel suggested that, but these young elites were excited by the idea of a recent death. They said it would add a thrill to the event and insisted on holding the banquet as planned."
Xue Jing raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like a dangerous mix of boredom and privilege."
Chen Fuguang nodded. "That's about right. The commission is to protect these young elites during the banquet. Besides our dojo, several others are sending disciples as well."
He patted Xue Jing on the shoulder. "I doubt the murderer will come to the banquet to make trouble, but it's still important to be vigilant. Don't hesitate to run if you encounter something you can't handle. Safety first, even if it means leaving those brats to fend for themselves."
Xue Jing smiled and nodded. "Understood."
"Tomorrow night, someone from Ruizhu Hotel will pick you up. Just follow them."
"Got it, Brother Chen. I'll be ready," Xue Jing assured him. "Thank you for the opportunity."
Chen Fuguang gave a few more instructions before leaving Canglong Dojo. Xue Jing saw him off at the door and then returned to the training hall to continue recording the disciples' test scores.
This time, the atmosphere in the hall was noticeably quieter. The disciples were focused, conducting their tests in silence, without any further teasing.
The sponge crumbs from the torn boxing pad had been cleaned up, and the newly replaced pad emitted the fresh scent of leather straight from the factory.