"What does that represent? Isn't it just mastering the release of Vital Energy, becoming a Grandmaster? What's the big deal? Does society still care about this nowadays?" Zhang Beixing asked, expressing his inability to understand.

If it were ancient times, in the era of cold weapons, he could understand the extraordinary status of a Grandmaster. But in modern times... it's not that Grandmasters aren't significant anymore, but compared to those firearms, they still fall somewhat short. This society is so pragmatic; isn't it true that money and power make one the real boss?

Seeing Zhang Beixing's confused appearance, Chen Fenghua realized his reaction was not feigned. His mouth twitched involuntarily, feeling as if he had been unintentionally upstaged.

What does he mean, 'isn't it just mastering the release of Vital Energy, isn't it just becoming a Grandmaster'? My goodness, that's an oversimplification!

"Brother Zhang... Do you know how many Grandmasters there are in modern Great Xia... No, in our Northern River Province?" Chen Fenghua asked solemnly.

"I don't know. How many?" Zhang Beixing asked curiously.

Hearing this, Chen Fenghua silently held up one finger.

"Ten?"

That's quite a few!

Zhang Beixing raised an eyebrow.

Chen Fenghua then retracted his finger and shook his head seriously. "No! Just one! And that one is you! Before your appearance, our Northern River Province hadn't seen a Grandmaster for nearly fifteen years!"

"???"

Now it was Zhang Beixing's turn to be dumbfounded.

What the heck? Not even one?

"Brother Fenghua, you're not kidding me, right? Our Northern River Province is so large; how could there have been none before I became a Grandmaster? And while we're at it, how many Grandmasters are there in Great Xia now?" Zhang Beixing pressed on.

Chen Fenghua replied, "The official count is nine. Including you, our Great Xia currently has only nine Grandmasters in total—a number you can count on two hands. Do you understand why this situation has arisen now?"

"Of course, we don't know about those unaccounted for in secret, and those antiquated old masters without real combat ability don't count. But officially, there really are only nine."

Speaking of this, even with Chen Fenghua's temperament, his voice couldn't help but carry a hint of pride.

After all, in the entirety of Great Xia, there were only nine Grandmaster Martial Artists, and he knew one of them. Not only did he know one, but they also called each other brothers and treated each other as equals. In the future, their relationship might even progress further, becoming son-in-law and father-in-law. At that time, even the Grandmaster would have to pay his respects as a junior, serving him tea.

Thinking of this, Chen Fenghua's heart couldn't help but flutter with excitement.

And Zhang Beixing, after hearing Chen Fenghua, finally understood. So that's how it is.

There are only nine Grandmasters in the entirety of Great Xia. No wonder these people were so respectful towards him! Rarity makes things precious; it seemed being a Grandmaster wasn't so common after all. Damn it! He had underestimated himself too much.

With this newfound understanding, looking at these middle-aged men who treated him humbly, Zhang Beixing felt a wave of emotion.

He reminisced about over three months ago, when he started learning martial arts with Teacher Liu and was taken to the Chen Family for the first time, meeting other martial artists.

Back then, he was so reserved. He would call anyone senior and refer to the old as great masters.

But now, only three months had passed.

Everything had undergone earth-shaking changes.

Although he was still himself, without any fundamental change, he was no longer the one who needed to curry favor. Instead, he was the one receiving goodwill and respect!

Perhaps this is what growing up is all about! I've grown up too!

Zhang Beixing thought to himself.

Then he comfortably accepted the goodwill of these people.

Just as they were getting acquainted with each other...

RUMBLE—

At the entrance of the alley, a blue Cayenne and a Cadillac drove up and stopped.

The car stereo, playing "Brother's Wine," had just finished the track.

Liu Yi and Wu Yougui got out of the car.

Looking at the unremarkable little alley, Liu Yi felt something was off. But since his mind was entirely preoccupied with the young Grandmaster from Shishi, he couldn't quite pinpoint what it was.

Noticing Liu Yi's somewhat unnatural expression, Wu Yougui assumed Liu Yi was puzzled as to why the young Grandmaster lived in such an unremarkable place.

So he offered an explanation, "Old Liu, are you wondering why this young Grandmaster lives in such a mundane place?"

"Let me tell you, mundane is exactly right. As they say, 'the greatest hermit hides in the city.' Being plain and returning to simplicity—that is the true style of a Grandmaster!"

"But this is only temporary. Once word of the young Grandmaster spreads and other martial artists find out, they will surely come to visit. If you come back in a while, you might not even get to see the young Grandmaster!"

"I only know this because of my own status as a Grandmaster."

"When you meet him, don't underestimate him because of his young age. Make sure to befriend him; it will definitely be beneficial for you. Understand?"

Wu Yougui lectured Liu Yi.

Hearing this, Liu Yi snapped back to reality. He kept a calm demeanor, but internally, he was already fuming.

That old dog, he's truly taking it too far! Who the hell doesn't know that crap he was spouting? Did I need him to teach me? It was just blatant showing off! Just because he became a Grandmaster a step earlier, for goodness sake, he hasn't stopped preaching this entire trip! Just you wait! Once I become a Grandmaster, I'll definitely give that smug face of yours a good whack!

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