How to build a Sect?

[Pind_Ala]

Grains City.

Big Wheat Village.

Inside the Chief's residence.

"Are you certain about this, Zani?"

"Yes, Chief. Please name the price."

"Hehehe, the price..."

A bulky man with a long, thick beard rose from his seat, pacing the room with his hands clasped firmly behind his back. "This training ground you speak of buying... although it was built a century ago, it remains completely intact, standing proud to this very day."

Stopping behind Zani, he leaned in with a heavy, imposing presence. "Do you know why it was built in the first place, boy?"

"Junior does not know," Zani replied, maintaining a polite smile.

"Hmm. Since your knowledge is shallow, let this Chief enlighten you. A century ago, a great calamity swept across the entire continent. It is known as the 'War of Chaos'. I do not know the exact origins of this war, nor the powers involved. But know this - the heavens wept, and it was a truly dark era for the world."

"I see," Zani replied calmly, finding it hard to picture such a catastrophic time. The current empire is unshakably stable, and Grains City exists in an era of boundless prosperity.

"It was during that chaotic era that these training grounds were established." Chief Sythe looked deeply at Zani, his eyes flashing with the shrewd light of an old merchant trying to exaggerate the value of his wares. "Moreover, these grounds were not built by mortal hands. No, no, no."

Sythe lowered his voice, aiming for a profound, mysterious tone. "They were forged by the power of an Immortal. It is said a mighty Immortal descended from the heavens, waved his hand, and boom! In a single breath, the entire training ground was formed!"

Having finished his grand tale, Sythe returned to his master chair and sat down, stroking his beard as he carefully observed Zani's expression.

As the village Chief, he usually maintained an aloof and dignified bearing, but today was different. He desperately needed to offload this useless, cursed training ground that had been gathering dust for a decade. Furthermore, ever since Zani's parents had passed away last winter, this youth had inherited a fertile field, essentially becoming someone with a little wealth in the vicinity of Big Wheat Village.

"Chief," Zani spoke up.

Snapped from his scheming thoughts, Sythe jumped slightly, realizing Zani had already risen from his chair.

"It seems this junior is far too poor to afford an Immortal's legacy. I sincerely apologize for taking up your valuable time." Zani cupped his fists in a salute and turned decisively toward the exit.

"Wait, little friend!"

I knew it. Rolling his eyes inwardly, Zani paused and looked back with a perfectly innocent expression. "Chief?"

Ahem.

Clearing his throat lightly, Sythe felt his cheeks redden. "I haven't even stated the price yet. Do not be so hasty as to assume you cannot afford it."

"Oh? Then Chief, please state the price."

"Three thousand copper coins."

Without a single word, Zani turned back toward the door, his steps firm and unhesitating.

"Wait, wait! You do not need to pay the full sum in cash! This Chief can even extend you a generous loan!"

"Three thousand is daytime robbery," Zani replied calmly, his hand already resting on the door handle.

"Two thousand nine hundred!"

"Two thousand eight hundred!"

When the youth still refused to turn around, Sythe felt his heart bleed. He took a deep breath and spoke through his gritted teeth. "Two thousand five hundred! That is the lowest I can go!"

With the door already pushed ajar, Zani pulled it shut with a soft click and turned back, his expression perfectly placid. "One thousand five hundred. Not a copper more."

SMASH!

Sythe slammed his heavy palm onto the table. "Ungrateful junior! This is an Immortal's legacy! Two thousand, and I am practically gifting it to you!"

"The 'Immortal's legacy' hasn't seen a broom in ten years," Zani countered smoothly, his tone unshaken. "One thousand six hundred."

"One thousand nine hundred! That is my final word!" Sythe roared with wide eyes.

"One thousand seven hundred," Zani replied, his eyes narrowing sharply. "If you refuse, I will simply walk away and purchase the empty plot near the southern border."

A suffocating silence settled over the room as the two locked eyes. Finally, Sythe let out a long sigh and waved his hand in defeat.

"Fine. One thousand eight hundred copper coins."

The moment Zani returned to the table, the bitter tension evaporated. The two of them instantly began chatting and laughing, looking for all the world like sworn brothers.

"These are the land deeds to my field," Zani said, retrieving the documents from his robes. "Chief, please appraise them."

"Hmm." Accepting the deeds, Sythe's eyes narrowed to expertly inspect the imperial seals. Only after confirming they were genuine did he set them down. "I am well aware of where your field is located, and how rich the soil is. According to the official imperial rate, they are worth one thousand five hundred coppers."

Stroking his beard, he offered a magnanimous smile. "However, if you are selling them to me privately, I am willing to give you one thousand six hundred coppers."

"Deal."

"Good. So, settling the accounts for the training ground, you now owe me two hundred copper coins. Or rather, two silver."

"Hmm. Chief, I also have the deeds to my ancestral home. Please appraise them as well." Zani handed over another stack of worn papers.

Sythe flipped through them, shaking his head with a pitying sigh. "Your courtyard is in severe disrepair, and the location is far from ideal. If you sell it to the imperial office, you will only receive five silver coins. But, if you wait and find a truly desperate buyer, perhaps you could squeeze out six silver."

Who in this village would buy my ruined courtyard? Zani smiled faintly in his heart.

"I thank the Chief for his guidance," Zani said, neatly taking the deeds back. "But I will simply sell it to the imperial office to save time."

Sythe's expression stiffened for a fraction of a second before he smoothly recovered. "Very well. Then, adjusting the balance, I now owe you three silver."

After collecting his silver, firmly securing the deed to the training ground, and politely declining the Chief's invitation to a banquet, Zani stepped out of the residence.

His heart ached slightly. Selling off all his earthly possessions in this world was exhausting work. If the ancestors of this family knew he had just uprooted their entire foundation, they would surely crawl back from the graves just to curse him.

Well, they are the ancestors of this body, not mine. Thinking of this, a relaxed smile surfaced on Zani's face. The foundation was finally laid. Now, onto...

GRRRR.

Feeling his stomach growling like a starved beast, all his planning paused. I need food. Let's go to the tavern first, and I can pack some dinner so I won't need to return.

Heading toward the only tavern in the village, he ate a quick, hearty meal and had his dinner packed securely.

Then, he set to work.

First, he returned to the old courtyard, with a hired ox cart to transport his meager furniture and belongings. Next, he headed straight toward his newly acquired domain.

By the time evening arrived and the sun started its descent, Zani stood before the old training ground with two hired laborers behind him.

From the outside, one can only see towering stone walls and a massive set of rusted iron gates.

Legends say that when this place was first established, it sat in utter isolation at the desolate edge of the village. But as time flowed, the world prospered, and the village expanded. Now, residential buildings press tightly against three sides of the high walls, leaving only the front gates facing the main street.

It had been a decade since these heavy gates were unsealed. The moment word spread through the village that the orphan Zani had actually bought the cursed grounds, a commotion broke out. Villagers swarmed the main street like a tide. Some wanted to mock his youthful foolishness, some wanted to satisfy their lifelong curiosity about what lay hidden inside, and others simply came for the spectacle.

A massive, whispering crowd had gathered by the time Zani stepped forward. Placing his hands on the cold metal, he pushed the heavy iron gates open with all his might.

CREAK...

As the dust of a decade settled, the true scene was finally revealed, a desolate courtyard completely overrun with wild, waist-high weeds, leading up to a silent hall that sat like a dormant beast at the very end.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Own an enclosed domain larger than 5,000 square feet]

[Status: Completed]

[Host, Name the Sect (Changeable) to claim your reward]

 

[Qem1ng]

This is an Immortal's legacy

Click to shrink...

Uhu and then why let IT rot away? Serious, for honoring their ancestors and being in awe for immortals thats Just absurd.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Uhu and then why let IT rot away? Serious, for honoring their ancestors and being in awe for immortals thats Just absurd.

Click to shrink...

Thank you for questioning. You see the training ground was build century ago, and it was taken care of until just a decade ago.
That is why it's stated that it has not been cleaned for almost a decade.

Time changes many things, new chief might not have seen immortal himself.

 

[Pind_Ala]

From my knowledge, there are no 'sects' in Grains City, Zani thought, staring blankly at the ruined, weed-infested courtyard before him. I do not even know what a sect looks like. Nor have I ever laid eyes on an Immortal.

All his knowledge of the martial path came from village storytellers and exaggerated mortal myths. He only knew that the first stage on the marital path is called 'Skin Tempering,' and that Chief Sythe is supposedly an expert at this stage.

Moreover, within Grains City, there are only three official dojos and the Mayor's Manor. To the locals, those are the only sacred grounds capable of producing true martial artists.

If he dared to hang a signboard declaring this ruined courtyard a 'Dojo' or a 'Sect,' the local experts would surely smash his gates to preserve their own face and authority. Thus, doing so right now would simply be asking for a beating.

For a name, his choices were heavily restricted.

A temple? No. If he named it something like 'Iron Temple,' no one would dare join; in this region, temples are strictly for ascetic monks who have severed their worldly desires.

That left only a term from his past life. A Gym.

I will name it the Iron Core Gym, Zani decided inwardly, his eyes flashing with determination.

...

Nothing happened.

[Host must hang a signboard bearing the Sect's name to complete the naming process.]

Zani released a long sigh, continuing to stare absentmindedly through the rusted iron gates of the old training ground.

Behind him, a crowd of villagers had gathered. The peanut gallery was already whispering, their voices filled with heavy schadenfreude and pity.

"So, this is what the Immortal's legacy looks like from the inside?"

"Bah! Just a weed-infested dump. I wasted my time coming here."

"You only wasted your time. That foolish orphan wasted his entire ancestral inheritance to buy it."

"What was he thinking? Has grief completely rotted his brain?"

"Could there be some hidden treasure buried inside that main hall?"

Hearing the crowd muttering behind them, the two hired laborers exchanged awkward glances. They felt more shame than the young man who was currently standing frozen before the gates. They naturally assumed the boy was having a mental breakdown after realizing he had been scammed by the Chief.

"Zani?" one of them asked gently, stepping forward to support the boy. "Perhaps we should return your belongings to the old house for now..."

Zani said nothing. He ignored the whispers as he walked to the beast cart and fetched a heavy iron sickle from his meager belongings, an item that had cost him forty copper coins in the market.

Turning back to the two laborers, Zani cupped his fists politely. "Uncles, please follow me. We must clear a path through these weeds to the main hall before nightfall."

Without waiting for their bewildered response, he stepped into the sea of waist-high grass, ruthlessly hacking a path forward.

Realizing the young man's firm resolve, the two older men quickly grabbed their tools and followed behind.

Cutting through the thick, stubborn weeds and hauling all of Zani's belongings into the empty, dust-choked main hall consumed the remainder of the daylight.

By nightfall, Zani lay flat on a hard wooden bed in the village tavern, his body thoroughly exhausted.

"I was too hasty in bringing my belongings over. It would have been wiser to hire men to clear the domain first," he muttered, massaging his sore shoulders.

Thinking of the current, pathetic state of his 'sacred training ground,' Zani could only sigh at the heavens.

In his past life on Earth, he had been a simple man with no grand ambitions. Because of a deep psychological scar suffered in his youth, he had never married, spending his twilight years in a quiet village teaching young students. It was a fulfilling, peaceful life, but when his time finally came, he was left with one regret.

No one was going to remember him.

He had no descendants. He had done nothing world-shaking. Within a single year of his passing, his name would fade like dust in the wind.

But this life was different. He had been blessed with a System.

I will forge a legacy, Zani thought, his eyes burning with a newfound, unyielding resolve in the dim tavern room. I will become an existence that is revered even after centuries pass.

Furthermore, this world possesses the ultimate allure: Immortality. To grasp it, he was willing to swallow any hardship.

Sorting his chaotic thoughts, he closed his eyes and sank into a deep, dreamless slumber.

The next morning.

KNOCK! KNOCK!

Zani stood before a sturdy wooden house, sweating slightly under the morning sun.

"Brother Teer! Are you inside?"

Before long, the heavy wooden door swung open, revealing a burly, heavily scarred man exuding a fierce, imposing aura.

"Little Brother Zani! It is rare to see you, let alone at my door," the rugged man boomed. "Tell me, what brings you to seek out this older brother?"

Teer is the premier hunter of Big Wheat Village.

Their village borders the Slaughter City, separated only by a vast, sprawling mountain range. These mountains teem with wild beasts and medicinal herbs, making hunting a lucrative, albeit highly dangerous, profession. However, since the most ferocious beasts on the outer edges are mostly wild boars, a skilled man like Teer lives quite comfortably.

Cupping his fists respectfully, Zani put on a display of urgency. "Brother Teer, I require your martial prowess. I found a massive snake nested in the training ground I just purchased. I fear for my life clearing the brush alone."

"Oh? A serpent?" Teer laughed heartily, his chest puffing out. "Worry not, Little Brother! This Teer will help you slaughter it and clear it out."

They quickly negotiated a fair price of thirty-five copper coins for the hunter's protection. Gritting his teeth at the mounting expenses, Zani also sought out the two old laborers once more. With Teer standing guard, his blade drawn to deal with any threat, the three of them made quick work of the overgrown courtyard.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the sprawling Training ground was completely stripped of weeds from the inside out.

Standing by the iron gates, Zani clasped his hands and bowed slightly as he bid them farewell. Only once they were out of sight did he lock the gates and trudge back toward the tavern.

"The martial path is truly paved with copper," Zani lamented, sitting cross-legged on his bed as he calculated his ledger.

"Twenty copper coins to hire the two laborers today... Thirty-five copper coins for Brother Teer... Twenty copper coins used yesterday for the beast cart to move my belongings... And my food and lodging at this tavern comes to fifteen copper coins..."

He poured the remaining coins from his pouch out, counting them meticulously.

"Combined with the forty coppers spent on my iron sickle, I am left with one silver and seventy copper coins."

Having balanced his bleeding accounts, he let out a tired breath and fell back onto the sheets.

The following day, Zani did not hire any help.

Working alone, he spent the entire day sweeping the massive main hall, clearing away a decade's worth of spiderwebs, and violently scrubbing the stone floors until they revealed their original, cold luster. Finally, he arranged his meager furniture.

The main hall is incredibly spacious, with an empty central area flanked by two wings. The left wing houses three adjoining rooms, a large kitchen and two separate living quarters. While the right wing contains only a single bathroom tucked into the corner.

Zani claimed the master room for himself. That night, he finally slept within his own domain, relieved that he no longer had to use his precious copper at the village tavern.

Ten days passed in a flash.

"Finally... everything is done."

Leaning heavily on a hoe, Zani wiped the grime and sweat from his brows.

For the past ten days, he had cultivated like a madman, not with martial arts, but with brutal manual labor. He had painstakingly loosened the soil in the massive courtyard, digging out stubborn weed roots and hauling away jagged stones, rendering the earth flat and suitable for physical conditioning.

"I will rest for the remainder of today. Tomorrow, I will visit the carpenter and commission the signboard."

Though he could have hung a cheap piece of scrap wood ten days ago to quickly claim the System reward, he had firmly held back. In his heart, hanging the board was a sacred ceremony.

It was the true opening of his sect.

The next morning, the sky was bright and clear.

Zani stood before the grand gates, dressed in neat, immaculate robes. His posture was straight as a spear, his hands clasped firmly behind his back, exuding the faint, unfathomable aura of a young master.

Above him, two hired carpenters balanced precariously on ladders, carefully securing a heavy, beautifully carved wooden signboard.

Iron Core Gym.

The moment the heavy board settled firmly into place, a crisp, mechanical sound echoed in his mind.

[Ding~]

[Sect Name Registered: Iron Core Gym]

[Sect Master: Zani]

[Disciples: 0]

[Naming Completed.]

[Reward: Dumbbell Set (Max Weight: 500kg) x 5]

 

[Pind_Ala]

[Reward Dispensed: Complete Dumbbell Sets have been placed inside the Main Hall.]

Reading the translucent prompt floating in his vision, Zani nodded in deep satisfaction. Just thinking about those pure iron weights made him want to grin.

He needed this.

His back was firmly against the wall. Over the past ten days, he had spent his evenings drinking cheap liquor with Chief Sythe to carefully extract precious knowledge about the martial path, and he had even traveled to Grains City to investigate the exorbitant fees and training methods of professional dojos. Between those expenses, ten days of heavy meals to fuel his body, and the twenty coppers spent on a custom signboard, his funds had bled down to the bone.

He had exactly one single silver coin left to his name.

So, from the moment at dawn broke until the sun reached its peak, he had exhausted himself walking the dusty streets of Big Wheat Village, ensuring everyone knew his domain was officially open for business.

"Fellow villagers," Zani called out. Standing before the open gates of his domain, a warm, accommodating smile graced his face as he cupped his fists in a polite greeting. "I thank you all for coming. Today marks the official establishment of the Iron Core Gym. I humbly ask my elders and neighbors to support this junior's new endeavor."

A chaotic storm of murmurs swept through the gathered crowd. Some boldly tried to peek through the iron gates, while others merely stared at the youth in sheer disbelief.

"Young friend Zani."

The whispering abruptly shifted. The crowd respectfully parted as a robust, broad-shouldered man with a thick, charcoal beard strode directly into the clearing.

"Chief Sythe!" Zani immediately stepped forward, perfectly maintaining his polite mask.

Sythe stroked his beard, his eyes twinkling with a distinct mix of curiosity and amusement. "Do tell, Zani. What type of business have you opened here? With a name like that... could it be a martial dojo?"

He asked the question playfully, recalling the boy's endless questions about martial arts during their recent drinking sessions. But in this world, a mortal daring to open a dojo is a dangerous joke, one that usually invites established experts to march down and smash their gates.

"I dare not, Chief," Zani replied smoothly, keeping his posture appropriately humble.

"Then what exactly is this establishment?"

"Chief, as a respected martial artist, you know the harsh truths of the martial path better than anyone here," Zani said clearly. His voice carrying a steady weight that echoed to the very back of the crowd. "When a youth joins a city dojo, they must first build their physical foundation. A mortal can only begin the Skin Tempering stage when their flesh and bones are strong enough to lift a load of one hundred and fifty kilograms."

"True." Sythe nodded slowly, validating the claim with the heavy gravity of a village leader.

A collective gasp rippled through the gathered peasants as they marveled at the sheer weight required.

"You also know that many families pay exorbitant annual fees to those distant dojos, only for their children to fail to reach that necessary foundation," Zani pressed. His eyes narrowed slightly, capturing the crowd's shifting emotion. "They are forced to leave before even beginning Skin Tempering, utterly wasting their parents' hard-earned wealth."

"That... does happen frequently." Sythe's expression turned solemn. As an old fox, he immediately understood where this shrewd youth was leading the conversation.

"This place I have opened, the Iron Core Gym, exists solely to forge that foundational vessel," Zani announced loudly. "Inside, I have gathered specialized weights of all sizes. The heaviest among them is five hundred kilograms!"

Chief Sythe went completely pale. The surrounding villagers froze in their tracks.

Five hundred kilograms!

Even Sythe, standing at the absolute peak of the Skin Tempering stage and widely called the strongest within Big Wheat Village, could only lift three hundred kilograms. Looking at Zani and remembering the free drinks the boy had provided, the Chief assumed the youth was simply exaggerating to attract customers. He decided to humor him in front of the ignorant villagers and help him correct the dangerous statement later.

"I speak the truth," Zani continued, entirely misinterpreting the Chief's pale face as simple awe. "Today, the doors of my Iron Core Gym are open to anyone who wishes to test these weights. Free of charge."

Stepping through the gates and up to the heavy racks, the Chief decided to test the quality of the boy's boast. He gripped a massive two-hundred-kilogram dumbbell and curled it effortlessly with one arm.

Then, clear disbelief washed over his face.

"Junior Zani... tell me the truth. How did you acquire these?"

The Chief's initial worry had quickly morphed into fascination, but as the initial excitement cooled and logic set in, a deep horror gripped his heart.

Pure iron. Every single piece was forged from pure, refined iron.

How much would the raw materials cost to forge so many solid weights? What about the exorbitant blacksmithing fees to cast these perfect, identical shapes? With a heavy sinking feeling, Sythe realized that even if he sold half his family's property, he might not be able to afford a single set of these weights.

An audible gulp escaped the Chief's throat. When he looked at Zani again, his aura fluctuated wildly.

"Did you take a high-interest loan from a shadowy syndicate in the city? Did someone blackmail you into this?" Sythe bombarded the boy with desperate questions.

Zani remained perfectly calm, maintaining his aloof, mysterious mask. Inwardly, however, he was highly amused by the dramatic reactions of these natives over standard gym gear.

In truth, Zani knew nothing about proper exercise mechanics. He had never stepped foot inside a real gym in his past life; all his knowledge came from listening to the idle chatter of his modern students. Yet, looking at the newly manifested iron, he confidently believed he was an expert.

How hard can it be? Zani thought, rolling his eyes inwardly. You just pick the dumbbell up and you put it down. Then you grab a heavier one if it's too light. Simple.

Seeing the youth's detached, knowing silence, Sythe felt a sudden pang of embarrassment for aggressively probing into a junior's secrets. He coughed dryly to save face and quieted down.

"They were gifts from an elder," Zani said softly, waking from his inner thoughts to offer an unfathomable, mysterious smile. "I cannot say more than this, Chief."

"I understand," Sythe replied, instantly misinterpreting the smile as the backing of a hidden master.

THUD!

He set the massive iron dumbbell back onto the rack. The heavy impact vibrated violently through the reinforced stone floor.

"Tell me, Junior. What is the tuition fee?"

At the Chief's words, all activity in the hall abruptly ceased. Over twenty villagers had currently trickled inside, mostly consisting of hot-blooded youths awkwardly struggling to lift even the lighter sixty-kilogram dumbbells. Hearing the question, every single ear pricked up.

Zani stepped forward, his expression turning serious and majestic. "Chief, I offer three distinct paths," he announced loudly.

"The first path: a monthly payment of twenty copper coins."

"The second path: an annual payment of two silver coins."

"And the third path: pay only after you have gained the required strength."

Hearing this, the villagers exchanged complicated, wary looks.

The Chief, however, stroked his beard and nodded decisively. Without a single word of negotiation, he reached into his robes and pulled out a handful of gleaming coins. "Zani, here are forty copper coins. My two sons will officially join your Gym starting tomorrow."

Zani accepted the coppers with a bright smile, cupping his fists respectfully. He then personally escorted the Chief to the gates, giving the village expert maximum respect as he bid him farewell.

After the Chief departed, more villagers trickled in to test their strength against the iron. Many eagerly inquired about the price, only to shake their heads and leave in disappointment.

The conditions were incredibly fair. Twenty coppers a month was perfectly affordable for a standard village family earning a modest income. But would they really risk their hard-earned wealth on a bizarre new venture?

Most peasants still firmly believe it is better to save those coppers and eventually send their children to a dojo in the city. City dojos provide highly nutritious medicinal meals, and even if a child fails to reach the Skin Tempering stage, they at least learn flashy mortal fighting techniques to defend themselves.

As for the third option, paying only after gaining strength, no one even dared to ask. Anyone with half a brain in this ruthless martial world knows that 'delayed payment' always results in the most exorbitant, unavoidable blood-price in the end.

Thus, Zani spent the entire day meticulously managing the crowds, not finding a single moment to eat.

By sunset, the grand hall finally emptied out. Only five disciples had officially joined his Gym, bringing him exactly one hundred copper coins in revenue. Unsurprisingly, all of them had chosen the monthly payment plan.

Ironically, only one of them was the son of a common hunter. The other four were descendants of local martial artists. Although Big Wheat Village was small, it housed more than one retired Skin Tempering expert, even if Chief Sythe was acknowledged as the strongest among them.

Those who truly understood the arduous martial path immediately recognized the immense, undeniable value of Zani's perfectly balanced pure iron weights.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Sitting cross-legged upon his hard wooden bed, Zani stared intently at the translucent blue interface floating silently in his vision.

[Sect System Level 1]

[EXP: 0/100]

[Sect Master: Zani]

[Disciples: 0/40]

[Quests:]

[New Quest: Recruit 20 Disciples]

[Reward: 10 EXP and 'Skin Tempering Introduction Manual']

[New Quest: Recruit a Talented Disciple]

[Reward: 20 EXP and New System Feature: 'Talent Evaluation Eye']

Why is the disciple count showing zero? Zani wondered. Is it because I haven't officially registered their names yet? He noticed the hard cap limit at the corner of the screen. And it seems the System restricts me to forty disciples for now.

Letting out a long yawn, he dismissed the glowing panel.

So sleepy. Let's see if my luck is good enough to complete that second quest tomorrow.

The next morning.

Inside the Iron Core Gym, Zani stood at the entrance of the main hall with his hands clasped firmly behind his back.

"State your name, age, and origins so that I can officially register you," he instructed the gathered youths.

"Fifteen years old. Eldest son of Chief Sythe."

"Thirteen years old. Second son of Chief Sythe."

...

"Elisi. Fourteen years old. Daughter of Hunter Teer."

After cataloging the final name, Zani looked up to examine his inaugural class. Four boys and two girls.

He had already collected the standard monthly fee of twenty copper coins from the first five. The last, Elisi, was a new arrival.

"Elisi," Zani said mildly. "How will you settle your tuition? Monthly or annually?"

She lowered her head slightly. "I... I heard there is a third path."

"Oh?"

Not only Zani, but the other youths also exchanged looks of genuine surprise. Realizing her underlying circumstances, Zani nodded in understanding. "We shall discuss this matter later."

He turned and led them deep into the hall.

Although Zani had been no fitness master in his past life, he knew enough about human biological limits to prioritize safety. Before letting any of them touch the pure iron weights, he strictly lectured the group on form and posture, ensuring no one would accidentally injure themself attempting to lift a heavy burden on their first day.

Stepping up to the racks, he personally demonstrated the exercises, lifting the lighter weights alongside them so they could mimic his breathing and movements.

This grueling physical conditioning lasted for two hours. Only after that did the battered, utterly exhausted youths finally depart to rest and eat, promising to return for the evening session.

Everyone left, save for Elisi.

Unlike his past world, this one is rich in energy and marvelous flora. The herbs here do not just heal wounds; they purge fatigue and nourish the blood. This was exactly why Zani felt no worry about the youths destroying their bodies. As long as they took herbal baths or drank medicinal teas, the micro-tears in their muscles would only serve to rebuild their flesh stronger than before.

From what he understood of the martial path, mortals rarely cultivate not because they lack the means, but because tempering requires endless cycles of self-harm and expensive herbal recovery.

Wiping a thin layer of sweat from his brow, Zani looked at the lingering girl. "May I ask why you chose the third path of deferred payment? As far as I know, Brother Teer is wealthy enough to easily afford your tuition."

Elisi immediately avoided his gaze. "My father does not know I am here," she said meekly.

"What?"

"Please, Senior Zani!" She took a sudden step forward, panic lacing her tone. "Please do not tell my father that I am walking the martial path!"

"Why such secrecy?"

The meekness in her voice slowly vanished, replaced by a rising, fierce determination. "Because I refuse to marry that Young Master from Sweet Corn Village! I will control my own fate. So please, Senior, help me. If my father finds out, I will take full responsibility. Just let me register!"

She spoke with such resolve that Zani was caught between a sigh of worry and a laugh of amusement. It was a classic tale of teenage rebellion.

"Very well," he conceded smoothly. "Do as you wish."

Later that afternoon, after securing a hearty lunch, Zani decided to invest in his own cultivation. Visiting the village herbalist, he spent a solid silver coin to purchase a month's supply of medicinal goods.

In truth, calling them 'spiritual herbs' is a vast exaggeration. They are merely high-grade medicinal tea leaves. Yet, after brewing, they help relax strained tendons and wash away all the fatigue. Combined with eating meat three times a day for essential nutrients, it forms a rudimentary mortal foundation method.

Zani was twenty-one this year, possessing a clean face and the inherently handsome, scholarly features typical of a transmigrator. Now that his previously frail physique was gradually filling out from lifting iron, he was bound to become an existence that would make the beauties of the village swoon.

Two days passed like flowing water.

One more youth joined the Gym, bringing the total count to seven. Yet, the System remained completely indifferent.

[Disciples: 7/40]

None of the youths had triggered the 'Talented Disciple' quest.

Zani's daily routine had become incredibly fulfilling: waking up early, guiding his disciples, tempering his own body, eating heavy meals filled with meat, drinking his medicinal tea, and sleeping soundly.

After only a few days of strictly following this regimen, he was already able to lift sixty-kilogram weights casually. It was a staggering leap in progress. Furthermore, thanks to the constant nourishment of herbs and meat, he never felt a lingering ounce of muscle soreness.

Among his disciples, the most terrifying work ethic undoubtedly belonged to Elisi. The girl was practically a gym rat. She basically lived in the main hall, even bringing her three daily meals and her medicinal herbs just to avoid going home during breaks. She truly cultivated like a mad demon. If Zani did not forcibly lock the iron gates at night, he suspected she would sleep directly on the dumbbells.

Yet, despite her heaven-shaking effort, she could still barely lift forty-five kilograms.

This stark contrast caused Zani to pause and ponder.

Why is my progress so explosive? he thought, looking at his own palms. Could it be... I am a heaven-defying, one-in-a-million genius?

Just like that, a full month drifted by.

The number of disciples had naturally swelled to fifteen. Just as Zani expected, not a single one quit. The physical transformations occurring within their bodies were simply too visible to deny.

[Disciples: 15/40]

Although repeatedly lifting iron all day was as boring as watching paint dry, doing it in a group with peers of the opposite gender ignited a fierce, competitive fire among the youths.

And Zani, acting as the 'peerless genius' and coach of his own domain, could now lift a monstrous one hundred kilograms.

During this month, a great storm hit the village. Hunter Teer finally discovered his daughter's secret. The resulting argument shook the heavens, instantly becoming the primary gossip of Big Wheat Village. Zani genuinely thought he would not be seeing the girl again.

However, after a two-day absence, Elisi returned to the Iron Core Gym, her eyes burning with even greater vigor.

As the senior sister among the disciples, she had successfully breached the sixty-kilogram mark.

Though a few older boys who joined later could already lift seventy-five kilograms due to their natural physical maturity, Elisi had become a symbol. She now possessed a small, devoted following of junior brothers and sisters who viewed her iron will as their role model.

But the most significant development of the month was something else entirely. The reputation of the Iron Core Gym had finally breached the borders of Big Wheat Village, rapidly spreading into Grains City and its four surrounding territories.

The mortal world now knew the name of Zani's domain.

 

[esantil]

Is bro gonna go for the hanma build ? Show the students the body they should strive for or is it gonna be the toji zenin build ?

 

[Pind_Ala]

Is bro gonna go for the hanma build ? Show the students the body they should strive for or is it gonna be the toji zenin build ?

Click to shrink...

As an Eastern Genre story, there will be all kinds of physiques and builds coming up in the story.
As for our boy Zani, it will depend on how he develops going forward. For now, he is leaning more toward toji zenin build as you know the reason from chapter 5.

 

[esantil]

He should act like the people in the diamond gym bring true gym rat culture here also could he in his spare time try to bring things from his past life memories to life as a side project like trying to recreate demon slayer breathing style like he Doesn't use just the system to advance you know what I mean ? You don't have too I like the story already just some ideas

 

[Pind_Ala]

Within the borders of Grains City, there are three dojos and the Mayor's Manor. To the common populace, these are the only sacred grounds that teach the martial path to mortals.

Among them, the Mayor's Manor is by far the most tyrannical force. However, their gates are incredibly strict; they only recruit promising youths between the ages of twelve and sixteen, as that is the golden period for forging a foundation.

Below the Mayor's Manor, the three dojos possess roughly equal power. Rumors state that their respective Dojo Masters have all broken through Skin Tempering and stepped into the stage above it. Yet, due to minor differences in heritage and martial prowess, the Mountain Shaking Fist Dojo sits firmly at the head, followed closely by the Earth Shield Dojo.

Sitting dead last at the bottom is the Swift Leg Dojo.

Due to its lowest ranking, the Swift Leg Dojo had always suffered from a severe drought of talent. With fewer and fewer disciples willing to join, they could only remain afloat by accepting any and all. Now, with the sudden emergence of the so-called 'Iron Core Gym' in a subsidiary village, the dojo felt a suffocating pressure.

Inside the main hall of the Swift Leg Dojo, Master Shifti sat upon his throne. His face was as dark and sunken as stagnant water. The atmosphere in the hall was tense and oppressive, freezing the blood of the surrounding disciples.

"This Iron Core Gym..." Shifti muttered, his eyes flashing with killing intent. "Taking the title of a 'Gym' but doing the work of a dojo... Stealing my disciples right from under my nose! Who gave a mere mortal the courage to swallow a leopard's heart?!"

He slammed his hand against the armrest, his gaze snapping to a nearby disciple. "Travel to Big Wheat Village and investigate this so-called Gym."

"Yes, Master!"

One of Shifti's direct disciples, respectfully cupped his fists and turned to leave.

But before he could even reach the doors, a junior disciple barged into the hall with a pale face. "Master! A messenger has arrived from the Mayor's Manor!"

The sudden intrusion irked Shifti, but before he could express his rage at the disciple's behavior, a sly-looking man strolled casually into the hall. In his hand, he held a scroll bound with the official seal of the Grains City Mayor.

Seeing that seal, Shifti was forced to swallow his anger. He could only stand up respectfully to accept the edict.

While breaking the seal on the scroll, Shifti glared at the messenger. "Is this the etiquette the Mayor teaches his errand runners? Bursting into my hall without an announcement? Does the Mayor no longer place the three dojos in his eyes?"

The sly-looking man merely offered a crooked, mocking smile. "Do not misunderstand, Dojo Master Shifti. I was simply in a hurry to deliver the Mayor's decree. It is for your own good, as I would hate to see you unintentionally offending the Mayor."

"What do you mean by this?" Shifti growled in annoyance.

But the messenger had already turned his back, waving a hand dismissively as he walked out. "You will understand once you read it."

Watching the arrogant dog leave, Shifti's face twisted into an unsightly scowl. He could do nothing except unfurl the scroll. However, as his eyes swept over the text, his aura exploded, violently rattling the teacups in the hall.

"This is utterly absurd!"

The edict was crystal clear. The Mayor of Grains City decreed that he greatly admired the 'innovative business model' of the Iron Core Gym. Therefore, he issued two commands:

First, the Mayor's Manor would politically and financially support any citizen who wished to open a similar establishment.

Second, since the master of the Iron Core Gym was fundamentally a mortal, he fell under imperial protection. Any martial artist caught harming him would face the full wrath of the Mayor's army.

To the common citizens, this announcement might sound like the benevolence of a wise and kind Mayor protecting local businesses.

But to those in power, it was a ruthless, dirty knife in the back. The Mayor was using this mortal as a weapon to suppress the monopoly and influence of the three dojos!

Days continued to pass.

It was during a late-night drinking session with Chief Sythe that Zani finally learned of the Mayor's grand decree.

However, this news did not bring a smile to Zani's face. Instead, a heavy stone settled in his heart. In this dog-eat-dog martial world, being used as a political pawn by a powerhouse like the Mayor meant that he was now standing on the edge of a very sharp blade.

It had been forty-five days since the establishment of the Iron Core Gym.

Today, a new youth walked through the iron gates to register. The arrival itself wasn't a grand spectacle, but to Zani, it represented a monumental milestone: he finally had twenty active disciples under his banner at the exact same time.

It had not been easy. From the peak of fifteen disciples a few weeks prior, two had left after their monthly subscription expired, and seeing the numbers decrease had severely pained his heart.

But now, the threshold was crossed.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Recruit 20 Disciples]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 10 EXP and 'Skin Tempering Introduction Manual']

[EXP: 10/100]

[Skin Tempering Introduction Manual]

[Summary: Skin Tempering is the 1st Stage of the Body Tempering Realm. Training is achieved through external destruction and internal mending. The flesh must be repeatedly struck: first with a Wooden Staff, then an Iron Rod, and finally with a Sack filled with jagged river stones.

During the beating, the practitioner must absorb the kinetic force using strict breathing techniques. Beware: Low-grade manuals forge an unstable foundation, making it incredibly difficult to break through to the 2nd Stage. Top-grade manuals temper the skin so thoroughly that a 1st Stage expert can rival those of the 2nd Stage. However, advancing becomes significantly harder. Only cultivate such a flawless foundation if you are talented or rich.

After every tempering session, if the practitioner soaks in a medicinal cauldron, the tempering speed will increase.

Extremely rare, expensive spiritual medicines can even help skip the Skin Tempering Stage.]

[Click to retrieve the full manual content.]

Holding the a thin, ancient-looking book in his hands, Zani was deeply shaken.

"To think that tempering the skin requires such brutal, self-inflicted torture," Zani muttered aloud. "No wonder I heard only a select few possess the willpower to walk the martial path."

He was just about to retreat to his quarters to study the rest of the manual when the system chimed again.

[Ding~]

[New Quest: Recruit an Instructor]

[Reward: 10 EXP and a full set of non-electronic gym equipment (excluding dumbbells)]

Bench presses? Squat racks? Cable machines? How in the heavens am I going to explain the appearance of those to the people? Zani's mind spun in circles.

Another fifteen days passed in the blink of an eye.

A few more disciples reached their limits and left, but the Gym's booming reputation ensured that many more came to take their place. Currently, Zani was considered a wildly successful business man, earning the fiery envy of every peasant in Big Wheat Village.

Meanwhile, his personal strength was advancing at a monstrous pace. He could now casually lift 165 kilograms, officially crossing the required threshold to begin Skin Tempering.

As for his gym:

[Disciples: 32/40]

His strongest disciple could currently lift 120 kilograms. Meanwhile, Elisi had firmly established herself as the unshakeable Eldest Senior Sister. Despite not being the strongest, her demonic work ethic hadn't decreased a single bit. She could now lift 90 kilograms.

What was even more bizarre was that the spiritual herbs in this world healed the body in such a mysterious way that one gained strength without building excessive muscle. Despite being so strong, Elisi still retained her petite frame.

As for Zani, his own muscle growth had slowed to a crawl after developing into an optimal, aesthetic state. Currently, in terms of sheer looks, he was almost too handsome to be true from their village standard.

Moreover, it was precisely because of this mystical physical development that he only noticed a very serious problem after two full months had passed.

They had only been training their arms and upper bodies with the dumbbells. If he had started developing thick arms and thin legs, he might have noticed it sooner. Fortunately, it wasn't too late to fix.

Starting tomorrow, he decided, he was going to introduce exercises that utilized both body weight and dumbbells. Push-ups, squats, and many more.

"Especially squats," Zani muttered, looking down at his own legs.

Despite the Gym's massive success and his own physical gains, Zani was stuck in a bottleneck.

He still hadn't found a single youth who triggered the 'Talented' requirement.

Furthermore, the instructor quest was driving him mad. At first, he had been selective, offering the position to the strong village hunters. But the System rejected them all. Desperate, he tried offering the title to anyone who walked through the door.

Still, the System gave no response. It seemed the laws governing this System required someone with true qualifications to bear the title of an instructor.

Now, he could only wait and hope the heavens would soon drop a blessing into his lap.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Two more days passed.

Inside the main hall, Zani trained alongside his disciples. As always, the atmosphere was incredibly vibrant, with everyone sweating profusely as their muscles trembled from exhaustion. Yet, the grueling physical conditioning never stopped the youths from bickering and comparing their gains.

"Did you see that? I finally lifted the eighty-kilo dumbbell! Tell me, am I not a strong?"

"Don't make me laugh, you bag of bones! This is what true strength looks like!"

"You boys are so noisy. Why are you not doing squats?"

"Eldest Senior Sister Elisi, please save this junior! They are bullying me!"

Zani casually curled a heavy iron dumbbell, smiling as he watched their banter. Nowadays, his only duty was to loudly remind the disciples not to lift weights beyond their current limits. Some of the hot-blooded youths tended to ignore the boundaries of their foundation in the heat of the moment.

Otherwise, his days were peaceful.

Just as he was about to conclude the afternoon session, the gates of the main hall creaked open.

"E-excuse me..."

"Oh? A newcomer! Are you here to register? Welcome, welcome!" Seeing a potential new disciple, Zani set down his dumbbells and moved forward with welcoming vigor.

The young man at the door quickly waved his hands in denial. "No, please do not misunderstand. I am merely a humble servant here to inquire about your fees and inspect the equipment. My master will be the one joining your establishment."

Hearing this, the disciples paused their training, exchanging shocked glances. From the servant's grand tone and neat attire, it seemed someone of status from Grains City had taken an interest in the Iron Core Gym.

"Where is your master currently?" Zani asked politely.

"My master, Cuby Leo, is resting at his estate. He will only grace this gym if it passes my evaluation," the youth said, raising his chin slightly. "Now, if you would please lead the way?"

The servant clearly wished to speak in private. Understanding the importance of giving face to city dwellers, the gym master nodded respectfully and led the youth away. Inside the second living room, which had recently been repurposed into an office for such occasions, they took their seats.

"May I know your name, brother?" Zani asked while pouring a cup of tea.

"I am but a humble servant. You may call me Das."

"Brother Das, please tell me, what are your young master's requirements?"

Das took a sip of the tea and frowned slightly at the low-quality taste. "It is simple. I merely needed to confirm the rumors that your establishment possesses perfectly graduated weights forged of pure iron. Having seen them, the rumors are true."

"Is that all?"

"No. The true reason I requested a private audience is this: due to a severe childhood trauma, my master utterly despises interacting with strangers." Das looked directly into Zani's eyes. "Therefore, I am here to ask how much silver you want for your equipment. We wish to purchase it."

A cold sweat broke out on Zani's back.

Cuby Leo.

This young master is defiantly not simple. By imperial decree, common mortals do not possess surnames. Only Immortals, their descendants up to the fifth generation, and high-ranking imperial officials are bestowed the right to bear a family name. Refusing a noble of such terrifying background could lead to his immediate destruction.

But he absolutely could not sell the System's rewards!

Cupping his fists, Zani spoke with a tone that was incredibly humble but firm. "Brother Das, please understand... these iron weights are the very foundation of my business and my sole source of income. I cannot sell them."

What followed was a tense, lengthy negotiation where Zani continuously refused increasingly lucrative offers of silver and gold. He even gritted his teeth and rejected requests to merely 'lend' the equipment, knowing full well that items borrowed by nobles would never return.

Though the servant was visibly angered by this peasant's stubbornness, he only offered light threats, seemingly restrained by his master's strict instructions. In the end, they reached a compromise. Zani would cordon off a massive, private section of the hall using thick curtains, creating an exclusive VIP domain for the young master.

Seeing Das finally leave, Zani let out a long, heavy sigh.

This Young Master Cuby Leo... he might not be an unreasonable tyrant. As for the rest, I will only find out tomorrow.

That night, Zani could not sleep. Stories from his past life had taught him that powerful people often kill the weak over treasures in the dead of night. Paranoia kept him wide awake, forcing him to spend the entire evening hauling equipment and stringing up thick, heavy curtains to prepare the young master's private domain.

The next morning.

Before the village rooster even crowed, heavy knocking echoed against the main gates of Iron Core Gym.

Knock! Knock!

"Who is it?" Zani called out, rubbing his bloodshot eyes.

"Master Zani, it is I, Das! Please open the gates quickly; my master is waiting outside!"

A stupefied Zani hurriedly unbarred the entrance. Standing directly behind Das was an unassuming but sturdily built horse carriage.

"Open the gates wider, Master Zani. We must pull the carriage directly inside."

Nodding numbly, Zani did as he was told. He watched in complete silence as the carriage was driven straight through the main hall and pulled all the way behind the thick curtains of the newly prepared VIP area.

A moment later, Das emerged and walked over, offering a respectful salute.

"Master Zani, although it is not as thorough as my master would prefer, your preparations are commendable." The servant reached into his robes and placed five gleaming silver coins into Zani's hands. "Here are five pieces of silver. My master will grant you this sum every single month. However, you must ensure that absolutely no one disturbs him during his stay here. Not even you."

Zani stared at the fortune with a buzzing mind.

"You may go now," Das continued dismissively. "And one more thing. From this day forward, we will be living behind these curtains, as traveling back and forth is something my master finds distasteful."

The gym master watched with a dumbfounded expression as Das prepared to retreat.

"Wait," Zani blurted out. "But... the only washroom in the entire gym is located in the right wing!"

Pausing briefly, Das gave a faint smile. "That is an excellent thing, then. Now, go rest. We shall discuss the finer details after the morning meal."

Like a wooden puppet whose strings had been cut, Zani staggered all the way back to his quatres and collapsed onto his sheets.

Am I hallucinating? Five silver a month? Noble moving into my gym? Driving the cart straight into the main hall? Did I lock the main gate?

"I might as well sleep," he muttered, letting his exhausted mind shut down.

When he finally woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. Fully expecting chaos, Zani walked out of his quatres, only to find the gym operating flawlessly. The afternoon session had just ended, and the disciples were peacefully leaving to eat their lunch.

"Master Zani!"

Turning around, he saw Elisi jogging toward him.

"Did you finally hire an instructor?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

"An instructor?"

Following the girl's pointing finger, he looked toward the center of the hall. There, Das was patiently demonstrating proper breathing techniques to a junior disciple, gently correcting the boy's posture so he could lift the iron more smoothly.

"Is he not an instructor? Anyway, I am going to have lunch. Care to join me, Master?" Elisi giggled, skipping away toward the corner.

She left a frozen Zani behind. His eyes remained locked onto Das, while his mind spun with a sudden, glorious realization.

"Master Zani." Having finished his demonstration, Das walked over and cupped his fists. "Many apologies for overstepping during your absence."

"No, Brother Das... I must thank you," Zani replied, a strange light burning in his gaze.

"It was nothing. My master ordered it. He felt guilty that our early arrival disturbed your sleep," the servant explained. "Anyway, now that you are awake, let us discuss our living arrangements for the next two or three months, until my master solidifies his foundation."

"Yes. Please."

Returning to the 'office' table, the atmosphere between them was much calmer. After smoothly finalizing the daily logistics Das required, they sat quietly, sipping tea.

"May I ask..." Zani began.

"No. You may not ask anything regarding my master," Das interrupted smoothly. "We will complete the formal registration after tea."

"No, no. That is not what I meant," Zani said, leaning forward. "I meant to ask about you."

"Oh?" Das raised an eyebrow. "Then speak."

Zani took a deep breath. His heart pounded wildly as he remembered the unyielding System quest.

"Brother Das... would you be willing to become the official Instructor of my Gym?"

"What?!"

 

[Pind_Ala]

A wealthy young master. A descendant of either an Immortal lineage or a high-ranking imperial official.

What could such an existence possibly lack?

With a single word, Cuby Leo could have his clan establish a private dojo. He could easily hire grandmaster blacksmiths to forge customized weights to build his foundation.

So why? Zani thought, his mind racing as he retrieved the registry book. Why has he come to my gym?

"Brother Das," Zani called out without looking up, readying his brush. "Please state the young master's age and origins for the registry."

A brief silence stretched across the table before the reply came.

"The young master is twelve years old. As for his origins, that is not something I can disclose to you."

"No worries. Please do not take offense at the question," Zani said, smoothly closing the book. Looking up, a hopeful glint flashed in his eyes. "Brother Das... about the Training Instructor position."

"I will let you know," Das replied flatly. Before, he turned and walked away, his steps measured and calm. Although the servant was clearly a mortal with no cultivation of his own, standing in the shadow of nobility granted him an undeniable, heavy presence.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Recruit a Talented Disciple]

[Status: Completed]

[Reward: 20 EXP and New System Feature: 'Talent Evaluation Eye']

[EXP: 30/100]

So, this Cuby Leo possesses talent, Zani mused, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face.

Eager to test his newly acquired reward, he hurried back to his living quarters. Standing before a bronze mirror, he activated the 'Talent Evaluation Eye', fully expecting the system to validate his own hidden, heaven-defying potential.

A faint light swept over his reflection.

[Not Talented]

His high hopes evaporated instantly.

"What a broken system," Zani grumbled, splashing cold water on his face. "Unable to measure the true depths of its host."

Bah.

"Talent is just the starting line. A day will come when I will stand above these so-called geniuses."

Speaking his ambition aloud lifted the heavy gloom from his chest. But just as he regained his spirits and prepared to insult the system a bit more, the translucent interface flashed again.

[Ding~]

[New Quest: Cultivate a disciple who can Deadlift 300 kg]

[Reward: 20 EXP and a Skin Tempering Realm Breathing Manual]

A Breathing Manual.

Zani inhaled sharply. Although the introduction manual he had received previously stated that a practitioner could choose any breathing technique to absorb the kinetic impact of physical beatings, he had already done his research.

Grains City is merely a remote, impoverished settlement within the vast Earth Dragon Empire. In the entire city, there are only five recognized breathing techniques. Two are closely guarded by the Mayor, and the other three serve as the lifeblood of their respective dojos.

According to the traveling merchant guards who traverse the trade routes, the empire is very vast. In the grander cities, massive auction houses openly sell these manuals and other resources needed for the martial path. As for the capital, Earth Dragon City, it is said to be built at the foot of the largest mountain on the continent, whose towering peak is forever hidden in mist.

But those places were far too distant, and he was currently tied to this land by his gym.

Breaking from his stupor, Zani re-read the glowing quest and immediately sobered up.

Three hundred kilograms.

That is the physical limit of an average practitioner at the peak of the Skin Tempering stage.

Since he could not recruit established martial artists to cheat the system, he had only one genuine option: forcefully push one of his disciples to that terrifying limit. Even if it were possible, it would be a grueling, hellish endeavor.

Hah.

Zani sighed as he looked out into the Main hall from slightly ajar door, watching his disciples gathering for the afternoon session. After a brief moment of silent calculation, he made his decision and stepped outside.

"Elisi!"

"Yes, Master Zani?"

The girl jogged over, wiping a thick layer of sweat from her brow. Seeing her fierce dedication, Zani merely nodded and gestured for her to follow him into the makeshift office.

"Elisi, what is your current limit?" Zani asked once they were seated across from each other.

"I haven't tried the hundred-kilo deadlift yet, but I can comfortably do reps with eighty kilos now," she reported, a proud smile blooming on her face.

"Good."

Although genuinely satisfied with her progress, Zani still felt her growth rate was a bit slow compared to how much time she invests.

"Elisi, what are your plans for the future?" Zani asked softly. "Will you be attending a city dojo once you reach the hundred-and-fifty-kilo requirement?"

Hearing this, the girl's proud smile instantly faded. She lowered her gaze, growing uncharacteristically quiet.

"I want to... but..."

"But?"

"I promised my father I would not go to a dojo," she admitted, staring down at her heavily calloused hands. "You see, Senior Zani, although my father earns a decent wage hunting, he is saving it for my little brother. He simply cannot afford the silver to send both of us to the city."

"Your brother? How old is he?"

"He is eleven years old," Elisi said, a faint trace of warmth returning to her voice. "He will join your gym next year."

Zani smiled and leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk. "Here is the arrangement, Little Elisi. You chose the third payment method when you joined. Payment upon gaining strength."

"Yes."

"Since you are not going to attend a dojo, I want you to remain here. Your sole responsibility will be to motivate your junior brothers and sisters."

Elisi nodded seriously, absorbing the heavy weight of the task.

"The day you can deadlift three hundred kilos," Zani stated, finally revealing his true purpose, "I will declare your debt entirely forgiven."

Elisi's eyes shot wide open. "Three hundred kilos?!"

"Master Zani! Do you plan to use me as the gym's free mascot forever?!" she wailed, clutching her face in exaggerated grief. "Boohoo! How long will that take? I will grow old and die lifting iron!"

"Hehe, quiet down, you brat. It is not as insurmountable as you think."

Hearing his steady, confident tone, Elisi peeked through her fingers.

"I promise you," Zani said smoothly. "At most, in a year or two, you will completely shatter that limit."

Leaving the stunned girl to process the heavy burden he had just placed upon her, Zani exited the office. He had a mountain of mundane chores to handle before nightfall, including hiring hands to build a new washroom for himself.

The next day.

During the afternoon tea break, Zani once again poured a fresh cup for Das, politely urging the servant to accept the instructor position.

Again, Das simply accepted the tea, calmly replying that he would ask the young master.

The next day, during afternoon tea, the exact same scene played out.

Five days later.

Afternoon tea.

"Brother Das..."

"Master Zani," Das interrupted smoothly, setting his ceramic cup down on the table. "Are you going to ask me again?"

"Brother Das, you already know my intent. Please accept. Has this junior brother of yours not pleaded enough?" Zani asked, flashing an innocent smile.

Haa.

"Why?" Das finally replied, releasing a faint sigh.

"Excuse me?"

"I am asking you to give me a reason," Das said, his usually placid gaze turning deadly serious. "You must understand my position, Master Zani. Although I am merely a servant, my entire life, my livelihood, and my personal safety are permanently tied to serving Young Master Leo. Moreover, serving him is very profitable."

Das leaned forward slightly, resting his hands flat against the wooden table.

"If I officially join your gym, I might be forced to leave that secure position." He locked eyes with the young gym master. "So, give me a solid reason, Master Zani. What can you possibly offer me to justify that risk?"

 

[Pind_Ala]

"Brother Das, it has been a week since you and the Young Master moved in."

Offering a simple hum of acknowledgment, Das continued taking slow sips of his tea.

"You should know by now that I do not speak empty words," Zani continued, his tone earnest. "Everything I told you since we first met has been the truth."

Gently setting his teacup down, Das spoke. "That is true, I suppose."

"Then believe in this brother of yours. If you accept the mantle of Instructor at my establishment, there will come a day when you look back and feel pride in this decision."

"Oh? Truly?" Das raised an eyebrow.

Nodding, Zani maintained a solemn, deadly serious expression. "Although the beginning will be arduous, in a year or two, you will witness a heaven-shaking transformation within these walls."

"Hehehe." Das chuckled, though his eyes remained sharp. "Brother Zani, hearing you speak so grandly... one might think you intend to operate a sect in the future."

Caught up in his own ambition, Zani gave a slight nod.

But the moment his chin dipped, his heart skipped a beat. Damn it. I shouldn't have nodded.

Although Zani possesses the System and fully intends to stand at the apex of this world, he absolutely cannot disclose such grand ambitions. In this world, a mortal daring to declare the founding of a sect without any strength or backing is committing a crime punishable by having one's courtyard smashed and tendons severed. Laughably, he cannot even safely call his gym a 'Dojo' for the next few years.

To mask his panic, Zani forced a calm smile, though his heart bled as he gazed at the servant sitting across from him.

Floating faintly above Das's head was the translucent system prompt that Zani had discovered days ago.

[Talented]

Every time he saw it, his chest tightened with intense, silent longing. A mere servant actually bore the mark of a genius. Das was the only person the System had accepted as a valid Instructor candidate.

Alas... we are simply not fated, Zani thought bitterly. Das was bound to a young master. As a mere commoner, Zani could not force him to stay.

Acting surprised to seamlessly cover his earlier blunder, Zani forced a laugh. "A sect? What are you saying, Brother Das? I am merely a businessman trying to make a living."

Perhaps Das noticed the slight shift in Zani's aura, because he gracefully allowed the topic to change. "Of course. So, as I was asking, what are your future plans for this gym?"

"Well, to tell you the truth..."

Zani guided the conversation in circles for a while. Before their tea grew cold, he shamelessly threw out one final lure, revealing a carefully crafted cover story. "I have already commissioned craftsmen to forge new iron equipment. Tools that will temper the entire body, not just the arms and chest."

Hearing this, a flash of genuine astonishment crossed Das's eyes. True to his discipline, however, the servant merely postponed his decision again.

Days began to pass once more.

It had been a full month since the esteemed Young Master secluded himself in the main hall. In all that time, Zani had not caught a single glimpse of the boy's shadow, nor heard a single whisper from behind the heavy curtains, save for Das's steady voice.

As for Das, although they continued to share afternoon tea, the topic of the Instructor position was mutually laid to rest.

Meanwhile, the reputation of the Iron Core Gym had exploded. Youths from neighboring villages, and even commoners from Grains City, traveled to Big Wheat Village to join.

Lately, however, Zani had been forced to turn away silver. It wasn't that he lacked ambition; the laws of the System simply restricted him.

[Disciples: 40/40]

On the other hand, several opportunistic merchants in the city had tried to copy his business model after the Mayor's decree, but none possessed perfectly graduated, pure iron weights. Because Zani's dumbbells were smooth, balanced, and incrementally scaled, his disciples could lift more with less effort. Thus, they gained strength at a terrifying pace.

His most senior disciple could already lift one hundred and forty kilograms, a mere week away from completing the foundation required to start on martial path.

As for Zani himself, the self-proclaimed genius, his physical prowess had reached a monstrous level. He could now casually lift two hundred kilograms.

There is a difference between straining to deadlift a weight once, and casually lifting it. Zani realized that the martial world is truly not a place for the weak. Even though he had not yet learned a Breathing Manual or officially stepped into the Skin Tempering stage, his current raw, unadulterated strength allowed him to cave in an ordinary man's chest with a single punch.

Yet, a glaring flaw remained: the dumbbells only tempered the upper body. Although one can do squats and other exercises, an imbalance still remains.

This imbalance is the exact reason why the Swift Leg Dojo heavily criticized his gym and the concept of early foundation building. Their breathing techniques rely entirely on leg strength, something Zani's current equipment cannot optimally provide. Many disciples chased quick gains and neglected the full-body exercises he taught.

Today was just another ordinary day.

Zani entered the gym carrying fresh lunches purchased from the village tavern.

Ever since Elisi had agreed to his strict terms, Zani had begun fully sponsoring her training. Buying her highly nutritious meat and medicinal herbs had become a daily routine. Seeing this, several other disciples from impoverished families had approached him, begging for the same grace.

But Zani was no fool. He rigorously tested their character and loyalty, eventually selecting only two more, a girl and a boy. He had no intention of wasting resources on ungrateful white-eyed wolves who would abandon him the moment their wings hardened.

Currently, all three youths practically lived at the gym. Zani gave them special treatment, crafting customized training plans that included every exercise he knew. He personally led them through four rigorous sessions a day. Even though Zani strictly enforced a two-hour maximum per session to prevent their muscles from snapping too much, the regimen was brutally intense. It was so demanding that even the mad demon Elisi had her hands full nowadays.

"Come here, I brought lunch. Let us eat together," Zani called out.

After sharing a hearty meal and inspecting their progress, Zani sent them to rest while he personally prepared their medicinal herbal baths and deep-tissue massages.

Such luxurious treatment made even the few wealthy merchant scions attending his gym green with envy. Yet, for Zani, burning this much copper was now a minor expense. His monthly income from disciples and Das's VIP fee was more than enough to sustain it.

Just as he was finishing his duties and the sun began to set, a voice called out from the shadows.

"Master Zani."

Turning around, Zani saw Das standing near the VIP curtains.

"Brother Das. What is the matter?"

Das stepped forward and, to Zani's shock, offered a deep, formal bow. "Master Zani, please accept this bow as thanks for accommodating us for so long."

Zani's heart sank. "Brother Das... are you leaving?"

"Yes. The Young Master has already perfected his foundation. It is time for us to depart."

"So fast?!" Zani blurted out.

His mind reeled. So this is the terrifying reality of innate talent. A twelve-year-old boy, lifting one hundred and fifty kilograms with ease, and it only took him a single month! The old saying was true: the difference between a genius and a mortal is greater than the difference between a mortal and a dog.

"We will leave tonight, when the village is asleep, to avoid unwanted eyes," Das explained smoothly.

"Understood."

That very night, under the cover of darkness, the heavy iron gates of the Iron Core Gym opened. An unassuming horse carriage steadily rolled out into the moonlight.

Standing by the gates, Das turned to Zani one last time. "Master Zani, this is farewell."

Saying so, Das reached into his robes and handed over a heavy pouch. "Please, accept this."

Before Zani could even process the weight of the bag, Das spoke his final words. "And regarding the Instructor position... I have spoken with the Young Master. In the coming days, a man will come looking for you."

Giving a final, respectful salute, Das turned and hurried after the carriage, leaving Zani standing alone under the starry sky.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Watching the unassuming carriage fade into the silent, moonlit night, Zani stood alone by the heavy iron gates.

He recalled the day his two mysterious guests first arrived, and how his disciples had relentlessly questioned the massive partition erected in the hall. To satisfy their curiosity, he had simply claimed their new Instructor required privacy.

In truth, the 'Young Master' himself had been the real enigma. To this day, Zani had no idea what the boy had actually been doing while living inside his gym.

Oh well. Out of sight, out of mind.

He shook his head. He had never dared to aggressively probe the young master's secrets, and there was no use obsessing over them now. Securing the iron gates, he hurried back to his quarters.

Sitting cross-legged on his hard wooden bed, Zani eagerly unfastened the parting gift Das had left behind. His breath caught in his throat.

"Silver," he murmured, dumping the heavy pouch onto his blanket. "Fifty silver coins..."

For a long moment, he just stared at the gleaming metal, his vision blurring slightly.

He remembered the day he had sold his ancestral inheritance to the Chief, betting his entire existence on these cursed training grounds. He remembered staring at his last pitiful copper coin, wondering if he would starve before his 'business' finally paid off.

The crushing, suffocating weight of survival that had sat on his chest for three months finally evaporated. He let out a shaky, overwhelmed breath.

Wiping his eyes, a wide, genuine smile broke across his face. "I am rich. Thank you... thank you, generous Young Master."

Pulling out his ledger, he started calculated his wealth. "I already have fourteen silver and eighty copper coins from the Gym's earnings. To think that in just ninety-some days since opening my doors, I have become so secure. Tsk. Tsk. Tsk."

Glancing at the bronze mirror where the System had callously branded him as lacking innate talent, Zani chuckled. "Open your dog eyes, System," he muttered, clutching the silver to his chest. "I might not be a martial genius, but my business acumen is heaven-defying. Hehehehehehe!"

That night, wrapped in the warmth of financial security, Zani slept better than he had since arriving in this world.

Far from the dust of Big Wheat Village, within a garden so grand and breathtaking that it seemed woven entirely from spiritual light, the very air hung thick with vibrant energy.

A beautiful woman resembling a descended fairy carefully inspected the growth of a radiant fruit on a small tree.

"Mother," a young girl's voice drifted from behind her.

Stopping her task, the fairy turned around. Walking toward her through the vibrant flora was a grown man wearing neat servant's attire.

"My darling Leo, you have finally returned," the woman said, her eyes softening with deep maternal warmth.

The man nodded. But a second later, his expression shifted into a frown, and he pivoted on his heels, preparing to walk away.

"Hey, wait!" the fairy called out. Her figure blurred, instantly appearing in front of the man to block his path. "I am sorry, I won't do it again. Please, do not go."

Seeing the stiff expression on the servant's face, the beautiful woman's features shifted. She instantly adopted an incredibly pitiful, heart-wrenching expression that only a worried mother could muster. "Speak with me, Leo," she pleaded.

"Your acting will not work on me this time, Mother," the man replied. His mouth moved, but the voice that emerged was the distinct, stubborn tone of a young girl. "I found something interesting this time, so it is hard to say when I will return. After changing my puppet, I will be on my way. Please tell Father and Brother not to look for me."

"Leo, you absolutely cannot," the fairy said. Her facade broke, revealing genuine fear. The world is vast, chaotic, and incredibly dangerous, even with artifacts for support.

"I can," came the stubborn reply.

"I will not allow it!"

What followed was a fierce, heaven-shaking battle of wits between mother and daughter. Both fiercely employed their ultimate techniques, each striving to appear more pitiful and wronged than the other. In the end, having no choice but to play her final trump card, little Leo forced a grand compromise.

"Hmph. Fine, you may go," the mother conceded, her voice tight with worry. "But you must swear to these conditions."

"What conditions?"

"First, you must immediately ring your emergency bell if you find yourself in any danger. Second, you must return home at least once a year."

Stepping closer to gently adjust the servant puppet's collar, she continued. "Third, you cannot neglect your cultivation! Although you are currently laying your physical foundation, take a few high-grade Skin Tempering breathing manuals with you."

Watching the puppet listen attentively, the corners of the fairy's lips curved into a faint, loving smile. "And lastly... you must always remember your age and origins. Do not make any foolish decisions that would bring shame upon our lineage."

"MOTHER!"

A second, lengthy assault of verbal complaints erupted. But this time, little Leo decided it was not worth the effort and promptly fled the garden.

Watching the servant puppet disappear into the mist, a deeply sorrowful look returned to the beautiful woman's face. "Oh, my pitiful child," she sighed, rubbing her temples.

Then, as if remembering something, her eyes flashed with intense annoyance. "If not for that stinky man..."

Deciding that this situation was entirely the fault of her hateful husband, she stomped out of the garden, storming toward the main villa to seek retribution.

Meanwhile, little Leo, who was simultaneously the reclusive 'Young Master Cuby Leo' and the humble servant 'Das', had long departed, blissfully unaware that her exit had triggered yet another nightmare for Master Cuby.

Back at the Iron Core Gym, another week passed in smooth, unhindered operation.

Today was a momentous occasion. Exactly one hundred days after its grand opening, the Iron Core Gym was preparing to send off its very first graduate.

A massive sea of people had gathered. Not only were peasants from all five subsidiary villages present, but even wealthy commoners from Grains City had made the journey to spectate.

The true highlight, however, were the few auras hanging over the front row. Several Martial art experts stood with their hands clasped behind their backs, accompanied by Village Chief Sythe, representatives from the three great dojos, and an envoy from the Mayor's Manor.

They were all here to witness the results of this so-called 'Gym', while eager to potentially recruit a youth whose physical foundation was already forged. In the martial world, securing a talented disciple not only bolsters a faction's strength but is a primary method of sustaining its legacy.

"I sincerely thank everyone for attending this graduation gathering," Zani announced from the font. Before offering a deep, respectful bow, giving the assembled experts their necessary respect.

Straightening up, Zani looked at his core group of disciples. Thanks to his sudden influx of silver, he had easily sponsored two additional promising youths, expanding his prized, fully funded inner circle to five.

Looking at these village kids, youths who once had no hope of ever affording the martial path, a wave of pride washed over him. He wasn't just a merchant using the Gym to earn copper anymore; he was a true master changing their fates.

Moving with synchronized discipline, the five youths marched into the Main Hall and hauled out the equipment needed for the demonstration.

THUD. THUD. THUD.

Three massive iron dumbbells were set heavily on the ground, weighing 150 kg, 75 kg, and 75 kg respectively.

"Before my disciple demonstrates his foundation, if any senior master present wishes to verify the authenticity of these weights, please step forward," Zani offered with an accommodating smile.

But, Before the words had even left his mouth, several people were already on move.

"Heavens... so these are the famous weights forged of solid iron."

"Look at how perfectly smooth and balanced they are!"

"Master Zani, please, you must let my child join your establishment!"

"It does not look like it weighs 150 kilograms at all. Such an absurd amount of pure wealth!"

As the crowd erupted into a chaotic uproar, some of the bolder commoners even tried to push past the martial artists to touch the supposed divine metal. It took half an hour and the combined pressure of the Village Chief and the Mayor's envoy to finally suppress the crowd's fervor.

An hour later, the grueling demonstration concluded perfectly. The graduating youth performed the one-hundred-and-fifty-kilogram deadlift to prove his foundation. Since he was using heavy dumbbells to perform the lift instead of a balanced barbell, the sheer awkwardness of the grip added significant difficulty, but it was still far superior to hurling massive, uneven boulders.

Having proven his strength, the graduating youth respectfully chose to join the ranks of the Mayor's Manor.

Watching the boy walk away toward a future that had once been supposable impossible for him, Zani felt a deep, swelling satisfaction in his chest.

As the crowd dispersed, the news of the Iron Core Gym helping a mortal build a perfect foundation in a mere three months spread like wildfire. The revelation set the entirety of Grains City ablaze with gossip once more.

Meanwhile, on the dusty dirt road leading toward Big Wheat Village, a tough-looking, broad-shouldered man with a thick brown beard walked with steady, unhurried steps.

"Interesting," the bearded man murmured, his eyes flashing with a playful light. "It looks like I should finally pay my visit. I have already wasted far too much time adjusting the joints on this new puppet."

A confident smile surfaced on the rugged man's face as he quickened his pace toward the Iron Core Gym.

 

[Pind_Ala]

After bidding farewell to his very first graduate disciple, Zani waited until the massive crowd finally dispersed. Then, with the help of his inner disciples, he cleaned the courtyard and firmly secured the heavy iron gates of the Iron Core Gym.

Staring at the locked gates, his thoughts turned to the inherent greed of men. He was well aware that some of the martial artists and merchants present today might have looked at him and seen a fat, juicy piece of meat, a foolish young master carelessly flaunting his wealth.

However, he was no longer an ordinary man entirely at their mercy. Thanks to his unyielding daily regimen of deadlifts and weighted squats, he could now lift two hundred and thirty kilograms. In terms of raw, explosive power, his physical foundation was entirely equal to a standard Skin Tempering expert. The only difference was his untempered skin, which left him without the resilience needed to deflect actual forged weapons.

Even so, his strength would only continue to grow.

Furthermore, he was firmly shielded by the Imperial decree that explicitly forbade any martial artist from harming mortals without a valid, karmic reason. Between his hidden might and the law, his position was currently as stable as it could be.

With his safety assured, the risk of today's grand graduation spectacle had been an absolute necessity. Now that his gym's reputation was surging, he would never lack eager youths practically begging to join, giving him the perfect justification to raise his tuition fees.

Capitalizing on that incoming wealth, he planned to increase his inner circle of fully sponsored, 'seeded' disciples from five to ten. These youths would form his true foundation, loyal disciples who would help him farm System quests, protect his secrets, and eventually rise as the elders of his future sect.

Naturally, such grand ambitions required a mountain of silver to sustain.

Meanwhile, within the towering walls of Grains City, the atmosphere inside the Mayor's Manor was incredibly solemn.

"Mayor, your foresight is truly profound," a man murmured, offering a deep, respectful bow.

Just an hour prior, he had been standing inside the Iron Core Gym as the representative of the Mayor's Manor. Now, he stood reverently before a simple-looking, middle-aged man.

Mayor Salam gave a slight nod before his expression turned sharp and serious. "Tell me. Was that expert present?"

"Mayor, I did not detect the aura of any hidden expert," the envoy reported carefully. "But it is entirely possible that due to my weak strength, my dog eyes failed to recognize Mount Tai."

"That is indeed possible," Salam replied, thoughtfully tapping his fingers against his wooden desk. "Recite the entire event to me. Leave no detail out."

"Yes, Mayor."

Cupping his fists, the envoy meticulously recounted everything, detailing the specific martial artists hidden in the crowd, the flawless forging of the pure iron weights, down to the exact words Zani had spoken. Yet, even after analyzing the report from every possible angle, the two of them were unable to grasp a definitive clue.

"Strange... truly strange," Mayor Salam muttered with furrowed brows, pacing the room. "From the arrogant yet measured way this mortal spoke, to the immense wealth required to forge those weights, and the warnings Sythe sent in his report... everything points to an unfathomable expert standing behind this gym."

"Mayor, what if we are simply overthinking things?" the subordinate asked with slight hesitation.

Waving his hand dismissively, Salam shot the idea down. "Impossible. I believe what I fear the most is actually the truth."

"And what might that be, Mayor Salam?"

Shaking his head, Salam let out a heavy sigh. "I fear an Immortal is using this rural gym as a chessboard."

"An... an Immortal?!" The envoy's eyes widened in sheer, unrestrained terror.

"Hmm. But the Imperial laws are strict. As far as I know, Immortals are forbidden from interacting with common mortals without a valid, karmic reason."

"Then how should we proceed, Mayor?"

"For now, let us just watch," Salam ordered decisively, his eyes flashing with calculation. "Have a talented youth from our manor officially join their ranks to monitor the situation. And send a stern warning to the three dojos as well. I do not want any of them making a stupid, fatal mistake that could provoke a senior's wrath, especially that hot-headed fool, Shifti of the Swift Leg Dojo."

"Yes, Mayor!"

Bowing deeply, the envoy quickly exited the office, leaving Mayor Salam alone in the stifling quiet of the room.

After a while, Salam walked to the window and gazed out toward Big Wheat Village, a complicated expression warping his face.

"Let us hope this is a benevolent Senior, and that I can forge a karmic connection with them," he murmured to himself. "This might be my only chance to break through to the third stage of the Body Tempering realm. I have been stuck at the peak of the second stage for far too long..."

Lunchtime.

Back at the Iron Core Gym, Zani was enjoying a hearty meal with his seeded disciples, savoring the expensive and nourishing deer meat for a change.

"Heavens, it tastes so good!" Elisi mumbled, her cheeks completely stuffed with tender meat. "Senior Zani, if you had told me I could enjoy such heavenly treatment every day, I would have promised to deadlift four hundred kilograms!"

Raising an eyebrow, Zani glanced at the gluttonous girl. "Who said I will feed this to you daily?"

"You won't?" Elisi pouted pitifully.

"Absolutely not. Deer meat bleeds pure silver. Now eat up before your junior brothers and sisters snatch your portion."

"Okay!"

Watching the disciples eagerly bicker and train under his roof brought a profound wave of comfort to Zani's heart. He truly felt like a revered Sect Master overseeing his domain. However, just as he was about to formally announce his grand plan to increase the number of inner disciples, a heavy sound echoed from the main doors.

Knock! Knock!

"Elisi, go check the gates," Zani ordered casually.

Freezing mid-chew, Elisi, who had been fiercely contending with her juniors to snatch the last pieces of meat, wanted to protest the injustice. But seeing her master's stern, unquestionable gaze, she could only reluctantly put down her chopsticks and run out.

She returned a few moments later, her expression slightly wary. "Master, there is a burly, rugged man waiting outside. He claims he was sent by the Young Master to meet you."

Hearing this, Zani stood up so fast his chair scraped loudly against the stone floor. He hurriedly adjusted his robes to present a flawless front while barking out rapid orders.

"Elisi, quickly go and invite that Senior inside with the utmost respect!" Turning to the others, his voice rose. "And why are the rest of you still eating?! Hurry up and clean this table! Take the leftovers to the storage room! Go, hurry!"

Since the adjoining kitchen had long been repurposed into a secure storage room because Zani never bothered to hire staff, the panicked youths frantically scrambled to clear all evidence of their expensive feast.

Hurrying out to the main hall, Zani saw Elisi respectfully escorting a tough-looking, broad-shouldered man with a thick brown beard. The man exuded a fierce, almost suffocating aura.

Seeing this, Zani immediately cupped his fists, offering a slight, accommodating bow to show respect. "Greetings, Brother. May I know if you were sent by Young Master Leo?"

The rugged man turned and nodded slightly. "Yes. My name is Bai, and I was instructed to assist you in any way I can."

"Oh, Brother Bai. Welcome." Zani smiled politely, probing carefully. "May I ask... are you a mortal or a martial artist?"

"I am a mortal," Bai replied smoothly, his hands clasped firmly behind his back. "But do not worry. My physical strength is more than enough to contend with any Skin Tempering expert."

"Oh?"

Nodding respectfully, Zani gestured for Bai to enter the main hall. While acting as the gracious host, he secretly activated the System's Talent Evaluation Eye.

Instantly, a translucent interface flickered above the bearded man's head.

[Talented]

Seeing the prompt, Zani's heart leaped with shock.

Another genius?! Just how terrifying is Young Master Cuby Leo's background to casually employ so many hidden dragons?

Once seated inside the makeshift office, Zani personally poured the herbal tea. They exchanged polite pleasantries for a time, building a superficial rapport before Bai finally brought up the main issue.

"Master Zani, I was told I am to work as a Training Instructor at your establishment."

"Yes, the Young Master mentioned before parting that he would send me a capable helper. But to think that helper would be a dragon like Brother Bai!" Laughing warmly, Zani expertly played the part of an accommodating host.

However, as the tea in his cup began to run low, Zani's expression shifted, turning entirely serious. He desperately needed to confirm this man's qualifications with the System before he dared to officially hand over the Instructor title.

"Brother Bai, what I am about to say might sound rude and arrogant," Zani began carefully, maintaining his polite mask. "But my gym cannot simply accept any instructor."

"What do you mean by this, Brother Zani?" Bai asked, his thick eyebrows furrowing together.

"What I mean, Brother Bai, is that I must first test you. I need to see if you possess the true capability to guide my disciples. The iron dumbbells we utilize here are specialized equipment, vastly different from ordinary stones."

Cupping his fists apologetically, Zani continued. "So, please forgive this junior in advance if you fail the evaluation and I am forced to show you the door."

Hearing this absurd audacity, the burly, fierce-looking man sat perfectly still.

However, deep inside the puppet's hollow body, Little Leo was erupting with fury.

I traveled all this way! I fought a brutal battle of wits with my mother! I wasted precious time adjusting the joints on this stupid new puppet! And this mortal peasant dares to threaten ME with the door?!

I swear to the heavens, if you dare say I am 'not selected', I will ring my emergency bell and have my Immortal clan wipe your gym from the face of the world!

But regardless of the apocalyptic rage boiling inside Little Leo's mind, outwardly, the rugged, bearded Bai simply picked up his teacup, remaining perfectly calm.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Grains City.

Inside the main hall of the Swift Leg Dojo, Master Shifti was pacing back and forth, his face twisted in venomous regret.

"This so-called 'Gym' has become an existential threat!" he roared to the empty room. "I should have smashed his gates the day he opened them!"

To understand this fury, one had to look at Shifti's complicated history in Grains City. Years ago, it was only after establishing his dojo that he realized a harsh truth. The Mayor's Manor and the other two dojos already possessed deep, unshakable roots. Furthermore, the local citizens respected raw strength above all else, a stark contrast to his agility-focused shift leg techniques.

Desperate to avoid bankruptcy, Shifti had been forced to lower his entrance requirements and tuition fees. It was a humiliating compromise, but it worked. Any mortal youth who dreamed of the martial path but lacked the innate talent or silver for the premier factions naturally flocked to his dojo.

Everything had been proceeding perfectly... until this damned Iron Core Gym opened.

It was the spark that started a fire. Soon after, several other copycat training grounds had sprouted up. While those imitations ultimately failed to gain traction, they had still bled his dojo dry, driving his business to the brink of ruin.

Yet, the Iron Core Gym, the one that started it all, was thriving. Now, a mere three months later, its entrance fee had skyrocketed to nearly match his own. What was the difference between forty and fifty coppers? In Shifti's eyes, it was a brutal slap to the face.

A mere mortal was stealing the food right out of his mouth.

Having made his decision then and there, he barked an order to summon his disciple. I am going to kill him.

Moments later, Reo, one of his direct disciples, hurried into the hall. He had been diligently practicing his leg techniques on plum blossom poles when a junior had ran over to inform him of the master's summons, now glancing up at his master, he could immediately tell something was very wrong.

"Master Shifti, you called for me?" Reo asked, standing respectfully.

Shifti stood up from his seat, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous pitch. "Reo, I have a small task for you. If you handle it cleanly... I will personally help you break through to the minor accomplishment stage you have been so desperate to reach in the shift leg technique."

Hearing this, a greedy, delighted light erupted in Reo's eyes as he cupped his fists. "Master, please instruct me! I will not fail!"

"Good."

Watching Reo quickly exit the hall with his murderous instructions, Shifti wore a dark, satisfied expression. Reo might not possess heaven-defying talent, but his hands were incredibly dirty, making him the perfect blade for handling such shadowy matters.

Now, he just needed to wait for the news of Zani's sudden, tragic demise, and then reap the chaotic aftermath to enrich his own dojo.

Hahaha!

an hour later.

All the arrogance and murderous glee Shifti previously wore had completely evaporated. Standing frozen in his hall, his hands trembled as he read an urgent, blood-red edict dispatched directly from the Mayor's Manor. The official seal glowed with a faint, oppressive light, sending pure ice down Shifti's spine.

"I need to flee. Now."

Moving like a frightened rat trying to preserve his life, Shifti acted immediately. Within half an hour, he packed his most precious belongings and slipped out of the city unnoticed, fleeing at his maximum speed toward the borders.

As for Reo and the dojo? Who cares about them when my own head is on the chopping block?!

The edict had been terrifyingly clear. The Mayor suspected an expert was secretly backing the Iron Core Gym. It stated that if anyone dared to offend the establishment, he would personally hunt the culprit down to the yellow springs before the expert could even complain.

But it wasn't the phantom expert that terrified Shifti; it was the Mayor himself.

Before Shifti had arrived to open his dojo, the power dynamic in Grains City had been beautifully simple: the Mayor ruled, and the two dojos obeyed. But with the addition of a third dojo, the delicate balance had shifted. While three dojos combined still couldn't defeat Mayor's Manor, they now possessed enough political weight to refuse orders they disliked.

Shifti knew he was a foreign element that had ruined the city's perfect hierarchy. Because of this, the Mayor had always been a blade suspended over his neck, eagerly waiting for a valid excuse to strike him down and absorb his wealth.

If Reo was caught attacking that gym, the Mayor wouldn't just punish the boy. No, he would use it as an excuse to annihilate Shifti and absorb his wealth!

Back at the Iron Core Gym.

Some time had passed.

[Quest: Recruit an Instructor]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 10 EXP and a full set of non-electronic gym equipment (excluding dumbbells)]

[EXP: 40/100]

[Reward Dispensed: Gym equipment has been delivered to the sealed storage room.]

"Good System!"

Speaking the words unconsciously, Zani's eyes glazed over as he read the prompts, a gleeful, foolish smile plastered across his face.

Finally!

"Did something happen, Master Zani?"

Snapping out of his stupor, Zani realized where he was and felt a wave of embarrassment. I spoke out loud, didn't I?

"Nothing, nothing at all," Zani quickly recovered, clearing his throat to shift the topic. "I was just commenting on your form. The way you instruct the breathing rhythms while they lift the weights is quite masterful and professional."

"Oh? Does that mean..."

"Yes, Brother Bai! Welcome to the Iron Core Gym family!" Extending his hand with a warm, brilliant smile, Zani was ready to praise the man further. But noticing the dozens of curious disciples staring at them from across the hall, he let out a dry cough. "Brother Bai, why don't you follow me to the office? These brats can practice on their own for now."

"Understood."

Leading Bai into the makeshift office, Zani personally poured fresh herbal tea. The two sat down and began discussing the mundane details: wages, living accommodations, meal schedules, and other daily necessities.

As the conversation deepened, Zani, feeling confident in his new Instructor, decided to show some sincerity. He shared his grand vision regarding the 'inner' disciples, explaining how he planned to double their numbers and entirely fund their training.

Hearing this, Bai's thick eyebrows knitted together. "What? You plan on training mere mortals until they can casually lift three hundred kilograms? Is this not absurdly excessive?" Continuing his probing tone, Bai pressed, "Moreover, you are burning your own money to do this. Tell me the truth, Master Zani. What is your real plan?"

"Hmm. Since you have officially joined our ranks, it is only right that I enlighten you."

Leaning back and steepling his fingers to look like an unfathomable mastermind, Zani smiled faintly.

"Listen closely, Brother Bai. This is not merely about nurturing mortals or wasting money. It is about forging loyalty."

"Loyalty?"

"Yes. Think about it. We are willing to invest massive wealth in these youths when even their own parents cannot. This karmic bond deepens with every medicinal meal we share and every drop of sweat they shed under our roof."

"And then what?" Bai asked, his face perfectly stoic. "You will have a loyal army. What can a flock of mortals possibly achieve against a powerful martial artist?"

Although Bai was probing with a calm, rugged face, deep inside the puppet's hollow body, Little Leo was utterly flabbergasted.

What is this peasant plotting? I was right about him. He is the most interesting mortal I have ever encountered in my travels! Come on, hurry up and reveal your scheme!

"Hehehe... Brother Bai." Chuckling softly, Zani shook his head with a pitying look. "Although you are the calmest and toughest man I have ever met, you are truly not very bright."

HOW DARE HE?!

Little Leo practically screamed in unrestrained fury inside the puppet.

Ignorant of the rage he had just provoked, Zani continued smoothly. "Think about it, Brother. The martial path cannot be walked alone. You either need to sell your life to a private dojo, or become a dog for the Imperial Court. By doing so, aren't you placing your fate entirely in the hands of others?"

"I suppose that is true."

"So, why don't wealthy mortals simply purchase a Breathing Technique and cultivate in secret?"

"Why?"

"Because they fear!" Zani's eyes flashed with sharp ambition. "They fear that without the backing of an established faction, greedy wolves will slaughter them and steal it! These manuals are treasures and can fetch quite a lot, after all."

Tapping the wooden table to emphasize his point, Zani leaned forward. "Do you understand now, Brother Bai? When my loyal army is forged, I won't need the Imperial Court. Nor a dojo's help to push further along the martial path."

"Hmm... I see. That is quite a brilliant, albeit dangerous, plan," Bai said, his tone carrying a trace of genuine respect. "So, will you be expanding the gym further in the future to accommodate this?"

"Let us not discuss the distant future just yet," Zani smiled mysteriously.

Before standing up and walking out of the room, leaving his new instructor to ponder his words.

 

[Pind_Ala]

The moon hung high over Big Wheat Village, casting a silver glow across the quiet courtyards.

Sipping hot herbal tea and enjoying the crisp night wind, Zani reclined casually on the roof of the Iron Core Gym. Ah, the bliss.

[Ding~]

[New Quest: Hunt a Mud Boar]

[Rewards: 30 EXP and Skin Tempering – Medicinal Cauldron Recipe]

[Hidden condition: Capture and domesticate the Mud Boar]

"A Mud Boar?" Zani muttered, gently lowering his teacup. "I think I have heard someone mention it in passing."

Hmm. I will ask around tomorrow. For now, let me relax.

Time passed quietly. Before long, the Iron Core Gym fell completely silent, its inhabitants sinking into a deep slumber.

It was then that a dark shadow leaped silently over the high outer wall, stealthily creeping toward the main hall.

That was easy, Reo thought, a cruel smirk hidden beneath his black mask. Now I just need to kill that Zani guy and I am done here.

As he approached the main hall, however, he could not help but pause.

The heavy iron doors were tightly shut, and there was not a single ground-level window in sight. Having come directly without investigating the premises, he did not know that these training grounds, built during the Great Upheaval a century ago, were structurally designed to counter sneaky intruders like him.

Standing before the gates, Reo could faintly see ventilation openings near the high roof, but scaling that smooth stone was impossible.

"Whatever. They are just a bunch of mere mortals," Reo scoffed, his killing intent flaring. "I will storm right through the front doors!"

Balancing his stance to maximize his power, Reo whipped a brutal kick directly into the heavy door.

BANG!

A clear dent warped the metal. Estimating his own power, he figured two more such blows would completely shatter the internal lock.

Meanwhile, inside the hall, the explosive noise jolted Zani awake.

BANG!

"Someone is trying to force his way in!"

"Who could it be?!"

Zani rushed out of his quarters, grabbing an iron dumbbell in passing to defend himself. By the time he reached the front, Bai and the five inner disciples were already gathered anxiously around the trembling gates.

"Who dares?!" Zani shouted.

BANG!

BOOM!

With a final, deafening kick, the iron gates on both sides violently flung open. A man clad entirely in black stood in the doorway.

"Who dares? Of course it is I, your death!" Reo sneered.

Moving with swift, terrifying agility, he crossed the distance before anyone could even react, appearing directly in front of Zani.

But to his absolute surprise, what greeted him was not a terrified face. But, a heavy iron dumbbell weighing two hundred kilograms, swinging brutally through the air.

BAM!

Possessing the raw, explosive strength of an average Skin Tempering expert, Zani slammed the pure iron directly into the side of Reo's head.

Skin Tempering experts possess flesh tough enough to deflect ordinary mortal blades, but kinetic blunt force obeys an entirely different physical law.

Bypassing the skin completely, the horrific impact violently rattled Reo's skull, making him stop dead in his tracks. He clutched his bleeding head, collapsing to his knees in agony.

It was only due to the resilience of his Skin Tempering foundation that he survived the blow, but the agonizing pain tore through his senses.

"AAHHHH!" he screamed, writhing pitifully on the stone floor.

Zani stood completely frozen, staring cautiously at the screaming assassin. His mind went a little blank from shock. He did not even notice that his own wrists and shoulders were nearly dislocated from the sheer power he had used to swing the iron.

"What are you waiting for?!" Bai's sharp, commanding voice snapped him out of his stupor. "Kill him!"

Driven by the fierce command, pure adrenaline flooded his veins. In a blind panic, Zani raised the massive weight again.

BAM!

BAM!

BAM!

Reaching out to stop the senseless battering, Bai firmly caught his wrist just as Zani raised his trembling, blood-soaked arms to swing fifth time.

"I told you to kill him," Bai said, his rugged face twitching slightly. "Not to make him into minced meat."

BLEURGH!

Hunching over behind them, a few inner disciples suddenly vomited violently onto the floor.

Hearing the sickening sound, Zani finally blinked. He looked down at his own handiwork just as the overwhelming, metallic smell of blood hit his nose. The gruesome, ruined sight of what he had just done to a human being fully registered in his mind.

BLAA!

Emptying everything he had eaten, Zani's stomach violently rebelled.

"God damn it, not you too," Bai muttered helplessly.

The world spun wildly before going entirely dark. Zani collapsed, fainting dead away into the rugged instructor's arms.

The next morning.

Huff... Huff... Huff...

Jolting awake in his bed, Zani panted heavily, his robes completely drenched in cold sweat.

The gory events of the night rushed back into his mind. He still couldn't get over the stark, chilling reality: he had actually killed someone.

This world... it is not peaceful at all.

He had known this intellectually since the day he transmigrated, but lately, his surging physical strength had made him arrogant.

Last night was the karmic payment for that arrogance. He had come out unharmed this time, but what about the next? What would have happened if he hadn't decisively picked up that iron dumbbell when he did? Would he be dead?

Looking down, both of his arms were still bruised, and a faint, lingering ache throbbed through his muscles. Although this minor damage could be healed with a medicinal bath, it starkly refreshed his memory of the brutal encounter.

No. I need to remain much more low-key from now on, Zani promised himself, letting out a heavy, trembling sigh.

Thinking about the sheer fragility of life brought forth the deeply buried, tragic memories of the body's original host. It was a very sad tale. The boy named Zani had poisoned himself to death out of pure despair.

Last winter, a pack of wild wolves had slipped into Big Wheat Village undetected. They had slaughtered at least thirty households before the Chief finally killed them all. Out of those thirty households, only Zani had survived unharmed, all because his desperate parents had locked him inside a secret cellar filled with strong smelling herbs.

He had lived. But his parents, his relatives, his friends... all of them were torn to pieces in that single, horrific night. Left entirely alone in a cold, empty world, the original Zani couldn't bear the overwhelming survivor's guilt and grief. So, he chose to follow his family to the yellow springs.

It was at that exact moment the transmigrator had taken over.

A heavy sorrow tightened Zani's chest for the boy who had lost everything.

"Master Zani!"

Breaking his melancholy, a crisp voice echoed from outside. "Are you awake?"

Taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart, Zani struggled to open the door with his aching body, only to see Elisi standing outside, appearing as carefree and vibrant as always.

"Elisi. What is it?"

"Master, hurry up now! Chief Sythe is waiting for you outside!"

Skipping happily out of sight as if her duty was fulfilled, Elisi left. Looking at her innocent, retreating back, Zani could only smile bitterly.

This girl... she didn't fully comprehend the bloody reality of what had happened last night. Did she?

Outside the main hall.

Sitting at the wooden table, Bai and Chief Sythe were enjoying newly purchased tea leaves and chatting leisurely, as if they were old friends.

As Zani approached, he was instantly invited to sit and taste the tea. Thankfully, the Chief could not see past his robes to notice his swollen arms.

After some light conversation where Sythe praised and congratulated Zani for finding such a worthy instructor, he finally asked for the true reason behind his sudden invitation.

Hearing the sanitized version of the story regarding last night's attack, Sythe became furious, swearing to find the culprit and punish their faction.

The tale being spun to the Chief had been carefully crafted by Bai. In fact, Zani was also unaware of it until he sat down and heard the man narrate it.

A mere mortal bludgeoning a martial artist to death is a heaven-shaking news in a small place like Grains City. Exposing the bloody details would only invite greedy wolves to investigate their secrets. It was best to keep the matter hidden.

And so, Bai smoothly covered it all up, even going as far as claiming the culprit had fled in the end. Zani could only secretly give the man a thumbs up in his heart.

After an hour, as the disciples started filtering into the gym to train, Sythe excused himself.

Now, only Zani and Bai remained seated at the table.

"Thank you, Brother Bai," Zani said, his voice laced with genuine, lingering exhaustion. "We just met yesterday, yet you did so much for me and this gym. For that, I am truly grateful."

"There is no need to humble yourself over these small matters," Bai replied smoothly, offering a warm, reassuring smile. "We are in this together."

"Brother!"

Clapping their hands together to signify their newfound camaraderie, the two men shared a hearty laugh.

However, deep inside the puppet's hollow body, Little Leo was erupting with fury.

Humble?! You peasant, you should be kneeling and kowtowing to me! For the first time in my noble life, I had to clean up a bloody murder scene and dispose of a corpse, and it was all because of your weak stomach! Do you even know what would happen to you if my parents found out I was involved in something so gruesome?!

 

[Pind_Ala]

On that exact same day, within Grains City.

"Damn it! Damn that cowardly Shifti!"

Pacing furiously across his office, Mayor Salam cursed, his uncharacteristic rage echoing off the walls. Every time he passed his wooden desk, he glared at the stacks of intelligence reports burying its surface, each document detailing the movements of the Iron Core Gym and the now-abandoned Swift Leg Dojo.

It took a full hour of this violent venting before his aura finally settled, allowing him to collapse heavily into his chair and rub his temples to soothe his boiling blood.

"S... Sir?"

Apart from the Mayor, the only other person in the room was his most trusted aide and son-in-law, Chaao. The younger man stood rigidly in the corner, desperately trying to preserve his life from the Mayor's wrath. Now that the storm had passed, he finally dared to speak.

"Yes, Chaao?"

"Mayor... that Shifti is still alive. He fled the city borders entirely."

"I know that!" Salam snapped.

"So, I was thinking..." Swallowing hard, Chaao hesitated.

"I know what you are thinking." Salam interrupted him, waving a dismissive hand. "You think there is no backer behind this gym. You think that if an Immortal was truly present, Shifti would have been turned to ash the moment he showed killing intent. Right?"

"Y... yes." Although agreeing meant questioning the Mayor's judgment, Chaao nodded truthfully.

"Hmm." Sighing deeply, Salam's anger bled into pure exhaustion. "As your superior and your father-in-law, it is my duty to guide your shallow vision. Let me give you a profound life lesson today."

Hearing the sudden, heavy gravity in the Mayor's voice, Chaao immediately straightened his posture, realizing he had indeed misjudged the situation.

"Do you know why I am the Mayor of Grains City?" Salam asked.

"Because you were the most talented martial artist of your generation. After your flawless performance as the Sweet Corn Village Chief, the capital promoted you."

"Wrong." Salam shook his head bitterly. "I was promoted because, decades ago, my uncle died while helping a man escape."

"Huh?"

"That man eventually stepped onto the Immortal Path, and repaid his mortal gratitude by pulling strings in the capital to elevate my family." Leaning forward, Salam's eyes burned into Chaao. "Do you understand the meaning behind this, boy?"

"It... it means we should always sow good karma?"

"NO!" Slamming his hand onto the desk, Salam roared. "It means you can never judge the depths of the waters in this martial world! My uncle, whose strength was no weaker than mine, was murdered in the streets by a mere fourteen-year-old child! In this world, outward looks mean nothing!"

The sheer, unrestrained terror hidden within the Mayor's shout sent a chill down Chaao's spine.

"S... so, how should we proceed?"

"We play the waiting game," Salam declared. "We can no longer afford to act openly, whether they have a backer or not."

"Why?"

"Because if that gym truly is the chessboard of an Immortal, I already lost their trust the moment I allowed their enemy, Shifti, to escape my city alive. I failed to contain the threat. And if, by some miracle, they do not have a backer? It changes nothing."

Standing up to look out the window, Salam sighed. "Our only duty is to maintain the stability of Grains City. We must ensure no faction grows powerful enough to threaten the Mayor's Manor. If, by chance, such a power arises, we simply report it to the capital. It is not as if the Empire lacks experts to crush rebellions."

"I understand."

"Let them play with their iron. I want you to keep a close eye on the Iron Core Gym, Chaao, but remain completely invisible. We will wait, and see if an opportunity to gain their favor presents itself in the future."

"Yes, Sir."

Hurrying out of the office, Chaao wiped cold sweat from his forehead. His father-in-law only ever spiraled into such paranoia when he believed he had suffered a massive loss.

Whatever, Chaao thought, quickening his steps down the hall. I just need to do what I am ordered to, no need to think.

Two more days passed.

For the past forty-eight hours, Zani had not touched a single piece of iron. Grappling violently with the trauma of his first kill, his mind remained a chaotic mess. He used the mental fatigue as an excuse to retreat to his quarters for some much-needed rest.

Normally, his hot-blooded disciples would have annoyed him endlessly by now, banging on his door for guidance even on rest days. But with the fierce-looking Brother Bai managing the hall, the youths had become obediently quiet, leaving Zani in total peace.

By the end of the week, he finally stabilized his state of mind and returned to his routine.

The following week quickly became the busiest period he had experienced since opening the gym. His first priority was a visit to Chief Sythe's residence to inquire about his newest System quest.

"Do you know of the major city that neighbors us, sitting just beyond the Brown Earth Mountain?" Sythe asked, pouring Zani a cup of tea as a gesture of hospitality.

"No, this junior does not."

"Then let this Chief enlighten you. It is called Slaughter City. The reason it holds the title of one of the seven major cities under the Earth Dragon Empire is due to its signature dish. And guess what? The primary ingredient of that dish is Mud Boar."

"So, to acquire a Mud Boar, I must travel to Slaughter City?" Zani frowned deeply.

"It is not entirely required, but it is the safest route. However, traveling around the mountain range by carriage takes a week."

"A week?!"

"Indeed," Sythe chuckled dryly.

"Are there any other ways?"

"Yes. A fast horse can cut the journey down to a single day, or you can brave the Brown Earth Mountain and attempt to hunt the beast yourself. But be warned, that path is fraught with risk and incredibly time-consuming. However..." Stroking his thick beard, Sythe's eyes shone with unhidden gluttony. "...if you manage to capture one, do not forget me! It has been an eternity since I tasted such divine meat."

"Hehehe, of course, Chief."

Leaving the Chief's residence, Zani asked around the village. A few seasoned hunters claimed they had occasionally spotted Mud Boar tracks deep in the mountain's outskirts, but none dared approach the beast. Realizing the village lacked the necessary knowledge, Zani hitched a cart to Grains City.

There, freely spending his newly acquired silver, he gathered vital intelligence regarding the beast's behavior, strength, and weaknesses. Fortune smiled upon him when he encountered a traveling merchant from Slaughter City. For a hefty sum of copper, Zani purchased an authentic manual on the rearing and domestication of Mud Boars, a practice the merchant claimed was very common in his home city.

After staying the night at a city inn, he met with a hardened mercenary who hunted beasts for a living. After paying a generous fee, Zani learned crucial tips on how to trap a beast alive without shattering its bones.

Armed with this knowledge, he returned to Big Wheat Village to formulate his plan.

However, he ultimately decided to wait. His older plan needed to be set in motion first.

Brother Bai had proven to be a phenomenal instructor, even going so far as to help him clean up a murder. Yet, Zani decided to observe the man a bit further. Leaving his entire foundation in the hands of someone he had known for barely a week was simply too risky. In the martial world, a man could never be too cautious.

A full month passed since Bai had joined the Iron Core Gym.

"Brother Bai, leave the brats to their forms for a moment. Come with me," Zani called out from the edge of the hall.

"Brother Zani, what is the matter?" Bai asked, walking over and wiping his brow.

Over the course of this month, Zani had subjected Bai to a grueling gauntlet of psychological loyalty tests. One day, he would generously hand Bai silver to purchase medicinal meals. The very next day, he would turn completely aloof, coldly demanding that Bai pay for his own rations out of his wages. He meticulously observed how Bai handled the disciples, how he managed the ledger, and how he reacted to pressure.

After thirty days of intense scrutiny, Zani was finally satisfied. He felt he knew Brother Bai's character better than the rugged man knew himself. In all these happenings, true trust had been nurtured between them, allowing them to refer to each other as brothers without the slightest hesitation.

"Just follow me," Zani said, a mysterious smile surfacing on his face.

Bai followed silently.

However, deep inside the puppet's hollow body, Little Leo rubbed her temples in annoyance.

I think there is a defect in this mortal's brain! Little Leo grumbled inwardly. One day he treats me like a blood brother, the next day he acts like a stingy, heartless merchant! I originally thought he was an interesting man, but alas, dealing with his bipolar moods is simply exhausting.

Perhaps I should just abandon this gym and continue my travels...

Before her thoughts could spiral further, she realized they had stopped. Looking up, she saw that Zani had led her to the sealed section of the storage room. It was the very place he had forbidden anyone from entering.

With a heavy clack, Zani unlocked the door and pushed it open, finally revealing the hidden treasures within.

 

[Pind_Ala]

Hope you like new cover....

 

[Pind_Ala]

CLANG!

The heavy iron doors groaned in protest as Zani pushed them open, revealing a steep stone staircase descending into subterranean darkness. Originally a cold-storage cellar attached to the kitchen, this space had been meticulously cleaned and sealed by Zani to serve as his hidden vault.

"Follow me, Brother," Zani said. Picking up the oil lamp he has prepared beforehand, he confidently led the way down into the gloom.

Moving with practiced ease, Zani stepped into the chamber and used his lamp to ignite a series of torches mounted along the stone walls, finally revealing the cold, imposing luster of massive black iron.

"W-what is this?" Bai asked, his thick eyebrows knitting together in genuine shock.

Seeing the rugged instructor lose his composure immensely boosted Zani's pride. "Hehehe. Brother Bai, this is the true foundation of our Iron Core Gym. The iron dumbbells we display above are merely a small fraction of our complete heritage."

It really is... pure iron! Deep within Bai's hollow puppet body, Little Leo, the aristocratic daughter of a prominent Immortal clan, was utterly flabbergasted. In all her privileged life wandering the vast empire, she had never laid eyes on such bizarre equipment.

Is this what he was talking about? she thought, remembering the promises Zani had made when she was first here as Das.

"Come, let this master explain their uses to you," Zani offered.

For the next hour, he proudly demonstrated the equipment. Moving between the cable machines, the heavy squat racks, the angled leg presses, and more.

Trying his best to piece together the fragmented knowledge from in his past life. He explained their mechanics, detailing how each machine supposedly isolates and tempers specific muscle groups with balanced resistance.

In truth, Zani was clueless about the finer details of any equipment. He could only thank the heavens, that he spent the last few days testing these machines out down here. If he had not taken the time to figure out how the pulleys and levers functioned beforehand, he would have undoubtedly made a fool of himself in front of his brother.

Bai mostly observed, only occasionally interjected with sharp, probing questions to understand the limits of the iron.

"What do you say, Brother Bai? Will these be of help to our disciples?" Zani asked, thoughtfully cupping his chin.

"Immensely," Bai replied smoothly, his tone carrying undeniable respect. "The current rate of improvement among the inner disciples has stagnated lately. Because they are focusing on tempering the entire body without proper, targeted resistance, their progress in raw lifting power has naturally slowed."

"Exactly." Zani gave a slow, knowing nod. "Although basic bodyweight exercises are helpful, they are far too slow at shattering bodily limits. With these tools, their physical foundations will skyrocket."

A brief silence settled in the dimly lit chamber. Zani watched quietly as Bai stared at the equipment, completely absorbed in deep thought.

After a moment of silent he finally spoke. "Currently, among our ten fully funded inner disciples, Elisi can already lift one hundred and forty kilograms, and the others are not far behind. If my estimates are correct, using this new equipment, they will shatter the three-hundred-kilogram limit in at most three months."

"Excellent," Zani replied, his eyes flashing with satisfaction. The faster they improved, the closer he got to his System rewards.

He had deliberately waited a full month before revealing the equipment. Because he needed to be certain of Bai's loyalty, ensuring someone capable would watch his back if another bloody incident occurred because of this.

Although, he desperately wished to restrict these tools solely for himself and his trusted inner circle. But sadly, he did not have enough space, nor the patience to sacrifice his own training time to manage entirely separate sessions.

"Brother Bai, summon the disciples. We are moving this equipment to the main hall."

Bai, who was still curiously running his calloused fingers over the cold iron, looked up in surprise. "Are you certain? Exposing this wealth will invite greedy eyes."

"Hmm... Some things cannot be avoided. We must simply face them."

Half an hour later, a heaven-shaking uproar erupted inside the Iron Core Gym.

"Wow! What kind of artifact is this?!"

"I think it is a torture device for the legs! Look at the angle!"

"Look at this wire! Is it woven from iron?!"

"HEAVENS! IT IS TOO HEAVY! JUNIOR BROTHER, QUICKLY, HELP ME PUSH IT!"

After a grueling day of collective manual labor, everything was finally settled into place. However, the massive equipment rendered the main hall suffocatingly cramped, leaving little space to train properly.

After some careful consideration, Zani decided that the lighter benches and excess dumbbells could be moved out into the open courtyard. Utilizing the space between the main hall and the front gates during training sessions.

That night, Zani lay wide awake in his bed. Knowing full well that, despite his stern warnings, whispers of this new equipment would spread through the region by dawn.

Meanwhile, inside the Mayor's Manor.

"Mayor, there is a development regarding that gym," Chaao reported, placing a neat file onto the desk. "This is the report from the youth we planted within their ranks."

Mayor Salam paused his brush, setting his current task aside to inspect the document. As his eyes swept across the text, his usually calm aura began to fluctuate wildly.

The report detailed a staggering revelation. The pure iron dumbbells the gym had utilized until now were merely a fraction of their true foundation. Today, they had unveiled massive, highly specialized iron artifacts designed for comprehensive body tempering. The sheer volume of refined metal required to forge such equipment completely defied logic.

"This..." Mayor Salam could not contain the surprise and shot up from his chair.

He paced the office, as a complicated expression warped his face while intense calculations raced through his mind. Exposing such wealth in a rural village would inevitably draw the greedy eyes of rogue martial artists. If the Mayor's Manor steps in to secretly protect the establishment, it would be the perfect opportunity to finally earn that hidden expert's favor.

"Perhaps this path is not entirely closed to us after all," Salam said, stopping to look at his son-in-law with flashing eyes. "Chaao, listen closely. I want you to assemble a team..."

Two days passed in total tranquility.

Zani felt a profound sense of relief. It seems the people of this world are not as bad as I originally thought, he mused. At the very least, they in heart and body belong to the faction they join.

Lying flat on a bench press, Zani smoothly pushed a heavy iron bar upward, thinking highly of the disciples under his wing. Blissfully unaware of the bloody reality transpiring just beyond his walls.

For two days straight, Chaao and a handpicked squad of the Mayor's elite personal guards had been silently stalking the perimeter of the Iron Core Gym. In that short time, they had already ambushed, gagged, and discreetly captured three rogue Skin Tempering experts who had tried to scale the high walls in the dead of night.

Three more days drifted by.

Deciding the storm of new equipment has settled, Zani prepared for his next grand step. He commissioned a village carpenter to construct a sturdy wooden noticeboard and firmly planted it in the earth just outside the gym's main gates.

That very afternoon, a piece of parchment was pinned to it.

Notice: The Iron Core Gym seeks to establish a lucrative partnership with local hunters. Any hunter possessing skill and willing to work with our establishment is invited to attend a formal gathering here at noon, two days from now.

The Iron Core Gym had long passed the phase of begging for attention. Given its explosive reputation across the region, this simple piece of paper was more than enough to shake the surrounding territories.

Within a single day, the news spread like a raging wildfire through Big Wheat Village and straight into the heart of Grains City.

 

[Pind_Ala]

After posting the notice outside the gates, Zani's schedule became incredibly packed.

The following morning, he and his ten inner disciples spent the entire of their time cleaning the old kitchen. Since the equipment had already been hauled into the main hall, this space was meticulously transformed from a storage room into a temporary meeting hall.

Although the workload wasn't insurmountable for eleven people, it was the peak of summer. The midday heat proved suffocating, leaving all of them sweating buckets by the time they finished.

Clap! Clap!

"Well done."

Just as they finished the work and sat down for rest, Bai strolled into the room with a smug, entirely unbothered smile plastered across his face.

Seeing this, Zani cursed bitterly in his heart. Although the meeting hall preparations required all hands, someone still needed to manage the outer disciples' training. To decide who would suffer the grueling task, he and Bai had made a bet on who could eat more during yesterday's dinner.

It turns out this monster-looking brother of mine really is a bottomless pit when it comes to food.

"Are you done with the evening session?" Zani asked, panting slightly. "Is dinner ready?"

"Hmm. The disciples have left," Bai replied calmly. "As for dinner, bring it yourself."

While Bai maintained his calm, stoic exterior, deep inside the puppet's hollow body, Little Leo eyed the sweaty men with pure disgust.

Hmph. And this peasant dared to compete with me? Hehehe!

The body of the puppet 'Bai' is an artifact forged by an Immortal. It contains several spatial and illusion formations, making the interior incredibly spacious. Little Leo can sit, stand, jump, and even sleep comfortably inside it year-round. Currently, she lounged in a pristine environment, surrounded by a refreshing, cooled breeze.

As for the eating competition? It had been a complete farce. She simply dumped all the food directly into the puppet's internal storage space!

Meanwhile, the disciples setting on side were just as exhausted as Zani. All of them, that is, except for a certain girl who miraculously revived the moment the word 'food' was mentioned.

"Master Zani! Shall I go bring the food?"

Zani looked at the energetic girl and sighed. "Elisi? fine. Go."

Just as Zani opened his mouth to instruct her to bring nutritious boar meat from the tavern, Bai suddenly interjected.

"Come with me."

Before Zani could process what was happening, the burly, fierce-looking instructor reached out and grabbed the petite Elisi's hand. To Zani's sheer bewilderment, the two of them practically skipped away in a merry fashion.

Zani remain frozen in place, his eyes twitching. "What the hell?"

Time passed just like that.

Although Zani felt deeply suspicious about the bizarre, almost sisterly dynamic developing between his eldest disciple and his rugged instructor, he wisely decided not to pry. In the martial world, everyone has their secrets. He would simply keep a close eye on the situation.

Two days later, the day of the gathering finally arrived.

To ensure smooth operations, the outer disciples received the afternoon session off.

A massive, whispering crowd had gathered outside the Gym as Zani waited for the exact appointed hour.

With a heavy creak, the main gates opened. Zani stepped out, dressed in immaculate, flowing robes, presenting a neat front. Standing firmly at his side like a towering guardian deity was the fierce-looking Bai.

Cupping his fists, Zani respectfully started addressing the gathered crowd.

"I sincerely thank everyone for coming here, If there are any experienced hunters among you, please step inside. The gathering will commence in exactly an hour."

Leaving Bai at the entrance to scrutinize the candidates with his sharp gaze, Zani turned and gracefully retreated.

One by one, the hunters started filtered in.

"Please, welcome. Come this way."

Elisi and the other inner disciples stood on duty to greet the guests, ensuring that no one wandered around the main hall.

"Oh? Aren't you Hunter Teer's daughter? Hahaha!" a burly man laughed, recognizing the girl.

"Nice to meet you," Elisi replied politely.

"You should call me Uncle, little girl!"

Most of the hunters present were locals from Big Wheat Village or the surrounding settlements, all drawn by the gossip surrounding the Iron Core Gym. A few came specifically hoping to catch a glimpse of the rumored 'divine iron artifacts,' only to be disappointed by the heavy curtains blocking their view.

As the inner disciples ushered them toward the meeting hall, Zani waited by the door, warmly welcoming everyone to take a seat and enjoy the snacks until the hour was up.

Once the final minute of the hour came to pass, Bai stepped inside and pulled the heavy doors of the hall shut. THUD. Before taking an arms crossed position like a guard.

While, Zani walked to the front and took his seat on the master chair.

"Greetings once again, and thank you all for attending," Zani began, his voice calm and measured. Instantly hushing all the chaotic murmurs in the hall.

"The reason I have invited you heroes here today is to discuss the formation of a mutually beneficial partnership," He announced, sweeping his piercing gaze across the room. "I will not speak in circles, so please listen closely."

"Our Gym requires vast, daily resources. From this day forth, whatever prey or medicinal herbs you normally sell to the city merchants or shops, we want you to sell directly to us at the exact same price. In addition, we will handsomely purchase information regarding the traces of wild beasts that you yourselves cannot safely hunt."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"Do not worry; the Iron Core Gym will never shortchange you. The pricing will remain absolutely fair. Furthermore, as our recognized partners, we will grant you a favor. This favor can be used in various ways, such as guaranteeing the admission of one youth of your choosing into our Gym."

The moment Zani finished speaking, the hall descended into chaos. Whispers and heated discussions broke out across the wooden tables as the hunters calculated the value in his offer.

Before long, an organized group of hunters and two solitary individuals stood up. The group exchanged decisive nods before their representative respectfully cupped his fists. "Master Zani, we wish to join your ranks."

Zani nodded with satisfied smile. "Welcome. Now, for the rest of you: those who wish to join without any further inquiries may remain seated. Those who have questions may stand. And those who feel this partnership does not suit them... you may freely leave."

Right on cue, Bai stepped forward and open the doors, gesturing that anyone could depart without worry.

Seeing this intimidating display, the group and one of the standing individual quickly sat back down, leaving only one man standing alone. A moment later, however, about a dozen others hesitantly stood up.

The man who had remained standing respectfully bowed slightly.

"Master Zani, I apologize for wasting your valuable time, but I cannot join this partnership. My family already owes a debt to a city shop. I must sell every pray I catch to them."

"Hmm. Brother, there is no need to humble yourself," Zani replied smoothly, offering a forgiving wave of his hand. "It is my own lack of foresight for not detailing these terms in the notice. Everyone, please, if you must leave, you do not need to justify yourselves to me. I will absolutely not hold it against you."

Given this graceful, face-saving out, the standing man and about ten others silently filed out of the room.

Now, only three figures remained standing. Surprisingly, one of them was a ruggedly dressed woman.

One by one, they voiced their concerns.

"Master Zani, the child I admit using this favor... will they still need to pay the monthly tuition fees?"

"Yes," Zani answered firmly, leaving no room for negotiation.

"Master Zani, I have two children. Could you perhaps extend..."

"No," Zani interrupted, his tone turning strict and absolute. "Allowing you to admit both children on a single favor would be breaking my trust with the others. The rules are set."

Finally, the rugged woman spoke up, her voice laced with practical hesitation.

"Master Zani... can I perhaps exchange this favor directly with you for silver?"

Zani maintained his smile, but inwardly, he was rolling his eyes. Why did you think I called you all here? To forge some karmic bond? No. I just want a stable supply of meat and herbs without paying merchant markups, and I am desperately hoping one of you can get me clues about a Mud Boar!

After pretending to ponder the request for a moment, he nodded.

"Yes, you may. However, we will only offer five silver coins to buy the favor back."

"Five silver?!" The woman gasped, her weather-beaten face instantly lighting up with joy.

Hunting is a grueling and perilous livelihood. Because Big Wheat Village borders the Slaughter City, weak hunters like her dare only to scour the outermost outskirts of the Brown Earth Mountain. Those safe areas had been picked clean of valuable herbs decades ago, leaving her to scrape by on a measly one silver a month.

Receiving five silver coins at once equaled almost half a year of her blood and sweat! While seasoned hunters might earn two silver a month, or three if they manage to trap a wild boar, this stood as a massive windfall for her.

Seeing her dramatic reaction, Zani's eyes flashed with sharp business acumen as he leaned forward slightly.

"But," he added smoothly, his voice dripping with temptation, "if you choose to sell this guaranteed spot directly to a wealthy family in the city who is desperate to send their child here... you could easily squeeze them for as as much as ten silver."

"Ten silver?!" The woman practically vibrated with excitement, her mind already spinning with the wealth she could accumulate.

Ignoring her joyful stupor, Zani turned to address them all. "Since we are now partners, I will speak to you with honesty," he declared, his voice carrying undeniable confidence. "The value of this favor will only increase in the future. That... I can promise you."

 

[AndICE]

I love sect building stories like these. I wonder if at the actual formation of the sect proper, the other dojos will be incorporated as branches.

 

[Pind_Ala]

After a lengthy and spirited discussion, the gathered hunters finally departed. Zani stood by the main gates, offering respectful farewells until the last man disappeared down the dusty street.

"Brother Zani, won't they simply abandon us the moment their wings harden and they reap the initial benefits?"

Bai, who had stood silently like a towering guardian deity throughout the entire event, finally voiced his lingering doubts as Zani pushed the heavy iron gates shut.

"Why would they?" Zani asked, not even turning his head as he firmly secured the latch.

"Because the only thing we are giving them in advance is our guaranteed favor," Bai pressed, his thick eyebrows knitting together. "In return, they must sell us every beast and medicinal herb they pull from the mountains at a flat rate."

Zani turned around, meeting the rugged man's gaze with a placid, unbothered expression. "Do you really think our favor is something minor?"

"No, what worries me is their cunning," Bai explained as they began walking back toward the main hall. "They will use our favor to stabilize themselves for a few months, and then actively seek loopholes to break the partnership. During the discussion, everyone was far too eager to put forth suggestions, and you casually accepted most of them! Things like entry criteria for latecomers, or minimum monthly quotas... I cannot help but feel they deliberately designed some of those proposals as an exit route."

The two men arrived at the makeshift meeting hall and took their seats. Bai continued to barrage Zani with endless strategic questions regarding the contract's vulnerabilities.

To this, Zani simply hummed noncommittally. Moving with unhurried patience, he poured two cups of steaming tea, acting as if he did not have a single care in the world.

"Are you even listening to me, Brother Zani?" Bai frowned.

"Uh-huh."

Taking a slow sip and gently setting his cup down on the wooden table, Zani smiled faintly. "Brother Bai, sometimes you appear as cold and aloof as a towering mountain. Other times, you worry like an anxious old mother. Just relax and drink your tea."

Bai finally quieted down, offering a stiff, rugged nod.

However, deep inside the hollow space of the puppet, Little Leo was practically stomping her feet in unrestrained fury.

He didn't hear a single word I just said, did he?! This arrogant peasant! How dare he ignore me!

"The thing is," Zani continued, his tone naturally shifting into something far more serious and calculated, "although the help I offer them holds little value now, in the future, its worth will skyrocket alongside our growth. Currently, it is a favor from a mere mortal. Tomorrow, it will be a favor from a Martial Artist. And someday... it might just be a favor from an Immortal."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

This... this, this... To think this peasant possesses such heaven-defying ambitions! Little Leo had known for a while that Zani plotted to elevate his gym into an official dojo, but she never imagined his greed reached the heavens themselves.

I wonder just how far you will go. Hehehe.

Yet, there were still details that did not sit right with Little Leo's mind. Seeing that Zani had no intention of elaborating further, she used Bai's gruff voice to ask, "Brother Zani, that is a grand vision, but what if we lose all the hunters before such a time comes?"

"That will never happen."

"Why?"

"Because not everybody requires me to explain how terrifyingly useful this favor truly is," Zani said, his eyes flashing with confidence. "The smart ones have already figured it out."

What does he mean by that?!

Unable to contain her mounting annoyance at his cryptic half-answers, Bai suddenly stood up, offered a stiff, rugged excuse about checking on the disciples, and abruptly marched out of the meeting hall.

Left entirely alone, Zani took another sip of tea and rolled his eyes inwardly.

Why does Brother Bai behave like a petulant child sometimes? Or is it just my imagination?

Musing over the instructor's questions, Zani knew there were, of course, chances of the hunters betraying him. But such a collapse would only happen if some powerful external force intervened. Local hunters valued their reputations immensely. Swaying an entire network to act so shamelessly would require an exorbitant amount of silver from a rival faction. So, for the time being, his supply chain was as stable as Mount Tai.

Now that the hunters were secured, it was only a matter of time before one of them brought him the exact whereabouts of a Mud Boar. Then, he could finally venture out to hunt, or better yet, capture it. Along with the network, he now possessed a stable, affordable supply of herbs, meat, and animal parts flowing directly into his domain.

The next logical step for the Gym would be to hire a chef and officially open a kitchen. This would save him a massive amount of copper on daily eating expenses, while simultaneously allowing him to offer a premium food service for the outer disciples, creating a new way to bleed more silver from them in the process.

But a severe bottleneck remained: he was currently short on loose capital.

He currently held exactly fifty-eight silver and forty copper coins. While this was a mountain of wealth for a mortal, and starting a basic kitchen operation only cost around ten silver, Zani despised quick, low-quality fixes. He wanted to forge a kitchen foundation that could accompany his gym until it was promoted to at least a Sect. And to achieve that, the most important factor wasn't the iron stoves, but the chef operating them.

He wanted to hire the best, someone at least on the level of the tavern's head chef who currently cooked his daily meals. Spending heavy silver to build a kitchen only to eat subpar food, which was not even as good as what they already enjoyed, would be a disgrace to both himself and the gym's prestige.

The reality was that the tavern's head chef commanded a hefty salary of five silver a month, and he wouldn't easily abandon his post due to his blood ties.

Five silver...

Zani's fist tightened around his teacup as a dark memory surfaced. I sold my entire ancestral home for that exact amount.

"Damn that Sythe," Zani muttered, his eyes narrowing. "Although we act like sworn brothers now, I will absolutely not forget that the old fox scammed me in the beginning."

Regardless, to hire a superior chef, Zani currently had a plan slowly brewing in his mind. But the timing wasn't right just yet.

"First, I need to prepare for the immediate possibility. I must build a secure holding pen for when I capture the Mud Boar alive..."

Muttering his plans aloud, Zani stood up and exited the meeting hall. Out in the main hall, the inner disciples, led by Elisi, were already removing the heavy curtains and rearranging the equipment for the evening training session.

An hour later, inside the Mayor's Manor in Grains City.

Standing rigidly before the massive wooden desk, Chaao meticulously recounted everything the undercover hunter had reported from the Iron Core Gym's gathering.

After finishing the report, Chaao watched his father-in-law sink into deep, calculating thought. Unable to hold his tongue, the younger man finally muttered, "Mayor, with this aggressive monopoly on the local hunters, the Iron Core Gym has gained quite a terrible reputation among the city's meat and herb merchants."

"No," Mayor Salam interrupted immediately, raising a hand before Chaao could continue. "The merchants you speak of are small-time bottom-feeders who scrape by on minor price differences. There is absolutely no need to worry on that front. They possess neither the strength nor the courage to cause any ripple."

Salam leaned forward, his eyes burning with a sharp light as he stared at the intelligence reports scattered across his desk.

"What I am thinking is..." he finally murmured, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the wood. "If the Gym is truly consolidating such a vast resource network... can the Mayor's Manor also forge some kind of partnership with them?"

"Huh?" Chaao's jaw dropped, entirely failing to comprehend the Mayor's sudden shift in strategy.

 

[Pind_Ala]

After a grueling, day-long battle of wits and haggling, Zani finally secured the deeds to a residential courtyard attached to the Iron Core Gym's eastern wall.

Although the new plot covered a mere two thousand square feet, vastly smaller than the massive eight-thousand-square-foot training ground he initially purchased, the price difference between them was like heaven and earth.

The small property bled ten silver coins from his ledger. His own success had worked against him; ever since the gym opened, this sector of Big Wheat Village had become incredibly prosperous, driving property values through the roof.

Following the purchase, Zani immediately hired a small army of local workers, including professional carpenters and a blacksmith, to remodel half the newly acquired space into a secure beast pen. The old structures on the land were quickly demolished, making way for smooth construction. The head carpenter assured him that everything would be completed within fifteen days, including a small, two-hundred-square-foot living quarter capable of accommodating two people.

This entire endeavor cost him another fifteen silver coins, heavily driven by the exorbitant blacksmithing fees required to forge iron fences thick enough to contain a Mud Boar.

With his silver spent and the workers hammering away, Zani was left with only one final task: capturing the beast itself.

For a few days, everything proceeded in total tranquility. But then, a mere five days into construction, an urgent news broke the peace.

"Master Zani! Master Zani!" A scout from the newly formed hunter network sprinted through the iron gates, gasping for breath. "A hunting party... they located fresh Mud Boar tracks near the outer perimeter!"

Hearing the report, Zani's eyes flashed with ambition. He had been waiting for this exact moment.

"Brother Bai, grab the gear. We leave immediately," Zani ordered. He had already prepared his specialized tools, relying on the beast-taming knowledge he had purchased from a traveling merchant and a hardened mercenary back in Grains City weeks ago.

Before rushing out, he turned to his eldest disciple.

"Elisi, I am leaving the Gym in your hands," Zani commanded. "Push the workers. I want that holding pen fully operational before I return with the beast."

"Yes, Master!"

Watching Zani and Bai sprint out the gates, the other inner disciples quickly crowded around Elisi, their faces laced with nervous panic.

"Senior Sister, w-what should we do? We have never managed the workers before!" one of the younger boys stammered.

"Should I call my father?" a female disciple suggested, trying to help.

Elisi immediately shook her head. A sudden, mischievous glint replaced the panic in her eyes as she realized that with Master Zani gone, she held absolute authority.

"No need! We must handle this ourselves," she declared, puffing out her chest. "First, go inform all the outer disciples that the afternoon and evening training sessions are officially canceled! And if anyone dares to complain... hehehe."

The junior disciples shivered at her cheeky grin, instantly scrambling to obey.

"As for the rest of us, we are going to ask the worker uncles exactly what needs to be done!"

Although Elisi was gluttonous and highly mischievous by nature, she possessed a demonic work ethic and always delivered on the tasks assigned to her.

Meanwhile, Zani and Bai linked up with a hunting party of eight seasoned men, officially entering the dense, overgrown outskirts of the Brown Earth Mountain. Hunter Teer, Elisi's father, walked among them, gripping a heavy bow.

"Master Zani," Teer whispered, eyeing the massive, bulging backpack strapped to the young man's shoulders. "Why are you carrying such a heavy load into the wilderness?"

"Oh, this?" Zani patted the bag, offering an unfathomable smile. "It contains all the tools that might come in handy to capture the Mud Boar alive."

"I see..."

Since they were traversing in the forest, getting distracted could easily prove fatal. After that brief exchange, the party quieted down, slipping into a tense, unbroken silence.

An hour later, wading through the thick brush near the edge of the mountain's outer perimeter, the team finally halted. Through the dense foliage, they spotted their target sleeping peacefully in a muddy clearing.

"It also has piglets," one of the hunters whispered, his eyes widening. "Is it a female?"

"No, look at the tusks. It is a male," Teer whispered back, his brow furrowing in confusion at the strange family dynamic. "Three male piglets and one female."

"Master Zani, should we attack?" he asked, silently nocking an iron-tipped arrow onto his bowstring.

"Wait."

Bai reached out and stopped the hunter, pointing toward Zani, who was currently crouched behind a massive tree trunk. Moving with practiced care, Zani opened his heavy backpack and retrieved several sealed wooden containers.

"Do not make a single move," Zani warned, his voice barely a breath. "If you wake them up and they scatter, I will not pay you a single copper."

Under the bewildered gazes of the hunters, Zani meticulously mixed the herbs he had brought with him. Within a minute, he compounded a potent, pungent paste.

"This drug contains herbs that are incredibly beneficial to a Mud Boar," Zani whispered, handing the wrapped bundle to Teer. "But they are far too potent. If the beasts overconsume it, they will fall into a deep, paralyzing slumber. Now, we just need to make sure the boar eats it without noticing our scent."

The hunters, who had remained silent until now, could no longer contain their hushed murmurs when their prize money was on the line. After a brief debate, they decided that Teer, possessing the best aim, would throw the bait.

Whoosh.

The bundle sailed through the air, landing softly in the mud just a few feet from the sleeping beast's snout. The pungent scent wafted instantly. The massive boar snorted, cracked its eyes open, and immediately devoured the herbs, while the piglets eagerly fought over the scraps.

A few moments later, a series of heavy thuds echoed through the clearing as the entire family collapsed into a drugged, snoring heap.

"Hahaha! Well done, everybody!"

"Congratulations, Master Zani!"

"Okay, okay, the pleasantries can wait," Zani instructed, stepping into the clearing with a wide grin. "Tie them up securely."

Using a barbell rod Zani had brought from the Gym, they tied the two-hundred-kilogram Mud Boar upside down, securing its thick hooves to the metal. Because the beast was overwhelmingly heavy, the burden of carrying the main rod fell to Zani and Bai.

Zani, whose unyielding regimen had recently pushed his lifting limit to an astonishing two hundred and sixty kilograms, hoisted his end of the barbell onto his shoulder. He grunted under the pressure a little. Yet, glancing to the other side, he was astonished to see Bai managing the weight casually. The rugged instructor's face remained entirely unfazed as they navigated the uneven jungle terrain.

Just as they breached the halfway mark, a low, collective growl echoed from the shadows.

A pack of six wild wolves stepped onto the path, their eyes glowing with hunger.

Although the pack numbered only six, Zani's heart leaped into his throat. He and Bai were entirely pinned down by the beast weight resting on their shoulders; they could not even raise their arms to defend themselves.

"Protect them!" Teer roared.

The hunters made quick work of the ambush. Two wolves were pinned to the earth by arrows instantly. Realizing the disparity in strength, three turned tail and fled into the brush. But one wolf, driven mad by desperation, bypassed the hunters entirely and leaped directly toward Bai's exposed throat.

"Brother Bai!" Zani shouted in panic, while the hunters frantically tried to nock another volley of arrows.

However, inside the hollow space of the puppet, Little Leo was vibrating with fury.

Was it not enough that I am working as a beast of burden? Now this stinky dog comes to mess with me, too? Hmph!

In truth, she was mostly just angry that she couldn't stay back to play with Elisi and had been forced to trudge out into the wilderness. Although the puppet she operated was not strictly built for fighting, its internal mechanisms could easily exert five hundred kilograms of raw force.

Outwardly, Bai simply sighed.

Without dropping the rod, he casually shifted the entire burden onto his left shoulder. Freeing his right hand, he curled his fist and struck out.

BAM!

The horrific impact met the wolf in mid-air. The beast's skull shattered instantly, its brain matter scattering across the forest ground as its lifeless body was swatted away like a bothersome fly.

The entire hunting party froze, staring at the instructor in sheer, unrestrained awe.

As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, painting the sky in strokes of orange and purple, the exhausted team finally returned to Big Wheat Village. A massive crowd of villagers gathered along the dirt streets, pointing and whispering in shock as Zani and Bai carried the beast through the settlement.

Upon entering the newly purchased courtyard, Zani prepared himself to yell at the workers to hurry up. But as he and Bai lowered the snoring Mud Boar to the earth, Zani paused in astonishment.

The pen was completely finished.

Thick iron bars were firmly set into the ground. The only missing section of fencing had been reinforced with a temporary, thick mud wall. Most impressively, the most time-consuming waterway and internal mud pit were fully excavated and operational.

How this impossible feat was accomplished became immediately apparent when Zani looked at his disciples. Elisi and the others stood proudly by the pen, completely covered from head to toe in thick, drying mud and dirt.

"Excellent work," Zani said softly, a wave of pride washing over him. "I am truly grateful for your hard work."

The hunters, who had followed them inside carrying the piglets, were equally astonished. Teer, in particular, stared at his mud-caked daughter in a completely new light, wondering why she never did chores at home. Catching her father's bewildered gaze, Elisi merely shot him a cheeky, unapologetic wink.

"Master Zani, there is no need to be so polite." Sighing dramatically, Elisi stepped forward, rubbing her small shoulders and putting on a pitiful, exhausted expression as if she had suffered immense grievances. "But... since we worked ourselves to the bone today... if you are truly moved by our efforts, then please..."

"Say no more," Zani interrupted, his lips curving into a warm, generous smile. "Tonight, we will surely enjoy a grand feast to celebrate our success!"

"Hehehe!"

Zani already knew exactly what the gluttonous Elisi was about to demand, and tonight, he was simply too happy to deny her. Pulling silver coins from his robe, he tossed them toward his instructor.

"Brother Bai, please go and order the best meat the local tavern has to offer!"

After the hunters were handsomely paid their share of the silver and the sleeping boars were safely locked in the pen.

The tavern food finally arrived, filling the Iron Core Gym with the scent of roasted meat and the loud, joyous laughter.

 

[Pind_Ala]

[Ding~]

[Quest: Hunt a Mud Boar.]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 30 EXP and the Skin Tempering - Medicinal Cauldron Recipe.]

[Hidden Condition: Capture and domesticate the Mud Boar.]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 10 Skin Tempering - Medicinal Cauldrons.]

[EXP: 70/100]

"It is best to leave the ten cauldrons in the System's storage for now," Zani mused, rubbing his chin in the quiet solitude of his room. "Let's examine the recipe."

With a mere thought, a thin booklet materialized in his hands.

[Medicinal Cauldron Recipe: Skin Tempering]

[Summary: Accelerates the internal mending process required after external physical destruction. The primary active ingredient is the saturated mud coating naturally secreted by a Mud Boar.]

Flipping through the pages, Zani scanned the knowledge in a matter of minutes.

"It is surprisingly simple. It can be brewed over a regular fire." A thrill of realization lit up his eyes as he reached the final passage. "The manual even details a safe, non-lethal method to scrape the outer mud coating off the boar without harming it. Perfect."

However, his excitement soon faded as an immense wave of exhaustion crashed over him.

YAWN.

The night before had been incredibly taxing. They had celebrated the capture of the beast until midnight, eating and laughing without a single care in the world. Now, the entire gym was asleep.

Thankfully, there was no booze involved in the feast, or this morning would have been far worse.

Standing up to stretch his sore muscles, Zani suddenly froze. A stray, terrifying thought crossed his exhausted mind, rapidly snowballing into pure dread. Last night, to ensure the drugged beasts did not cause havoc after waking up, Bai and Elisi had volunteered to guard the pen.

"Oh, crap."

They had slept out there. Together.

"Bai! She is a fourteen-year-old! Damn you!"

Shouting in sheer panic, Zani sprinted from his quarters. He was still dressed in the same rumpled robes he wore yesterday, having been too exhausted to change before collapsing onto his bed.

It was well into the morning outside. If he had not posted a notice calling off the morning session, the outer disciples would already be sweating in the Main hall.

THWACK!

Zani violently kicked open the wooden door of the newly acquired courtyard.

The living quarters meant to be built here were still under construction, leaving only the hastily completed mud boar pen. The only place to rest was a makeshift wooden bed placed right beside the iron fences, out in the open air.

As Zani approached with heavy, furious steps, fully prepared to beat the rugged instructor half to death if need be, he saw something that made him freeze in his tracks.

"Bai... Brother Bai...?"

The fierce, towering instructor stood rigidly beside the bed. However, his broad chest and torso were completely split open from the inside out, running all the way from his chest down to his knees. He looked exactly like the hollow, mechanical armor suits Zani had seen in movies back on Earth.

Peering into the cavity, Zani could see strings and complex formation arrays woven seamlessly into what appeared to be a puppet's interior.

And on the bed, where the burly man should have been sleeping, two little girls were curled up together under a thin blanket.

One was his eldest disciple, Elisi. But Zani did not recognize the other girl at all.

"Hey! Hey, Elisi!" Zani shouted, remaining rooted to the spot while fighting the dizzying confusion in his head. "Wake up! Tell me what is happening here!"

Instead of Elisi, the mysterious little girl stirred first.

"Mmmm..."

Rubbing her eyes and seeing Zani standing before her, the girl instinctively sat up straight.

"Hey, Elisi, wake up," she grumbled, annoyed at the disturbance.

Hearing her, Zani's jaw dropped to the dirt.

He could only watch in absolute, mind-shattering horror as the delicate little girl sitting before him spoke in Bai's deep, rugged baritone.

Huh.

Huh?

HUUUUHH?!

The next few hours dissolved into chaotic interrogation, with Zani trying his best to untangle the truth. His mind struggled to process the surreal sight of a delicate, pouting twelve-year-old answering his frantic questions in Bai's deep, masculine voice.

As her explanations piled up and her temper flared, the girl impatiently reached up and tapped a faintly glowing jade pendant resting against her collarbone. The light dimmed, and the rugged baritone instantly vanished, replaced by the haughty, crisp voice of a young girl.

No wonder Brother Bai acted so sisterly toward Elisi. No wonder the servant 'Das' and the rugged instructor 'Bai' both possessed the [Talented] tag. It all makes sense now.

Master Cuby Leo, the servant Das, and the instructor Bai were all the exact same person! And that person was currently sitting across from him, pouting under his stunned, unblinking gaze.

As Zani remained frozen in silence, the tension in the air grew suffocating. That heavy quiet proved too much for the girls.

"Master Zani, please do not blame Sister Leo! Waaahh!" Elisi suddenly sobbed, heavy tears streaming down her face. She genuinely thought Zani's silence meant he was about to kick Leo out of the gym.

This sudden outburst caught both Zani and Leo by surprise. Watching the only person in the world who treated her like a true friend break down, Little Leo's aura flared up. Her eyes narrowed with defensive, explosive anger.

Thankfully, before the daughter of an Immortal clan could do something that might obliterate Zani's entire domain, he spoke first.

"No, no, don't cry!" Zani said hastily, waving his hands. "I... I just need a moment to process everything you said."

Taking a deep breath, he looked closely at Leo again.

Across her small face was a horrific, jagged scar that cut from one cheek to the other. Although the wound itself was old, the skin around it was severely burned, as if by some potent acid. It did not look good, but having lived a long, arduous life on Earth, Zani had seen far worse. It did not disgust him in the slightest.

Instead, looking at the scar made him reflect on the cruel reality of this world.

The daughter of an Immortal, forced to run away and hide inside puppets just to escape the judgment of her looks. Because immortals possess something called 'Spiritual Sense,' she could not even stay in their vicinity without her disfigurement being perceived.

It was a tragic existence, which explained why she had instantly bonded with Elisi, the only person to accidentally see her true face and accept her anyway.

As Zani continued staring in quiet sympathy, Leo stared right back, her delicate brows furrowing in suspicion.

Weird. Why is this peasant looking at me as if I am some kind of treasure? Leo thought, feeling a sudden chill. My mother told me to ring the emergency bell if any man looks at me like that. But... I think this is a different kind of look.

Directly above Leo's head, the translucent system tag shone brilliantly.

[Talented]

The glowing text mesmerized Zani. His heart beat like a war drum just seeing it.

"Leo, have you started on the Martial path?" he asked smoothly, his voice dropping to a soft, accommodating tone, as if he were afraid of scaring away a golden goose.

"No," she replied haughtily, crossing her small arms.

"How much can you lift currently without the puppet?"

"I think... almost three hundred kilograms."

Hearing this, Zani shot up from his chair, his eyes practically shining with starlight. "Excellent!"

"I have decided," he declared, slamming his hand on the wooden bedpost with absolute authority. "You can no longer work as 'Bai' in this gym."

"What?!" Leo gasped, offended by the sudden dismissal.

"WAAAHH!" Elisi immediately started bawling again, thoroughly convinced her best friend was being banished.

"What are you crying for?!" Zani sighed, aggressively massaging his temples. "I mean she must join the gym as an official disciple!"

Both girls froze. Elisi's tears stopped instantly as they blinked at him in utter bewilderment.

Capitalizing on their stunned silence, Zani spent the next half an hour explaining his logic. He assured them he was speaking the truth; he wanted both of them to be fellow disciples so they could openly enjoy their friendship and train side by side.

Since there was no issue of Spiritual Sense here, Leo could simply cover her face with a cloth veil or a mask while training with other disciples, completely eliminating the need to remain trapped inside that puppet all day.

She would only need to make casual rounds inside the 'Bai' puppet once a day to maintain the illusion for the public. After all, an artifact capable of exerting five hundred kilograms of kinetic force was far too valuable to abandon, and harboring an Immortal heir required the utmost secrecy.

 

[Pind_Ala]

"Brother Chaao, what exactly is the Mayor planning?"

Sitting in the shade of a discreet watchpost down the street from the Iron Core Gym, Chaao and Sythe drank tea while keeping watch.

"That... even I do not know," Chaao admitted, setting his teacup down. "Let's just do what we are told."

"Yes, of course," Village Chief Sythe agreed carefully. The shrewd old man was trying his absolute best to forge a better relationship, fully aware that Chaao was supposedly next in line for the Mayor's seat.

"We just need to maintain this perimeter until the afternoon. Tell me, is everything going smoothly on your end?" Chaao asked, his gaze landing on a table scattered with intelligence reports.

"No need to worry, Brother Chaao. The villagers have been warned not to speak a single word of it," Sythe assured him, patting his chest.

"Good."

Chaao turned his attention back to the documents. It is definitely the bandits supported by the Mountain Shaking Fist Dojo.

The report in his hands clearly stated that the Mayor's elite guards had captured yet another Skin Tempering expert sneaking around the village outskirts last night. It was undoubtedly a scout. Furthermore, the three men they had ambushed and captured a month prior, the ones trying to scale the Iron Core Gym's walls, were confirmed to belong to the exact same faction.

Chaao could only lament his current fate and pray to the heavens that Mayor Salam was correct in his gamble. Otherwise, all this effort would be for naught.

In reality, this marked the second time the Mayor's Manor has mobilized its elite forces to secretly protect the Iron Core Gym. Zani, the master of said gym, likely has no idea it is even happening.

This shadow protection was the sole reason the village remained completely quiet despite Zani making so much noise capturing a Mud Boar alive. It is the reason there was no one around when Zani stormed the adjacent courtyard.

Meanwhile, back inside the gym's main hall, Zani was happily registering Little Leo as a new inner disciple.

Because the roster was already at its maximum capacity of forty, he had sent one of the inner disciples home for a week. By the time the boy returned, more space would be available.

"Listen closely," Zani announced, addressing his gathered disciples. "You all must be kind to her. She is Instructor Bai's daughter."

"Yes, Master!" the youths chorused respectfully.

While finalizing the registry, Zani took the opportunity to sweep his sharp gaze over the crowd, ensuring that no one dared to bully the veiled girl or speak ill of her appearance.

Satisfied, Zani turned and walked toward his quarters. Just as he stepped through the door, the incredibly pleasant sound of the System chimed in his mind.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Cultivate a disciple who can casually lift 300 kg.]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 20 EXP and a Skin Tempering Realm Breathing Manual.]

[EXP: 90/100]

[Jade Skin - Top-Grade Skin Tempering Realm Breathing Manual]

[Summary: This manual is divided into three stages: Bronze Skin, Iron Skin, and Jade Skin. The user may choose to break through to the next realm after completing any of the three stages. However, breaking through early permanently limits future potential.]

[Breaking through at the Bronze Skin stage is equivalent to cultivating a Mid-Grade manual. Breaking through at the Iron Skin stage is equivalent to a High-Grade manual, and breaking through at the Jade Skin stage represents the apex of a Top-Grade manual.]

[Warning: The breakthrough for Jade Skin is incredibly difficult. Only those possessing Talent or the wealth to afford medicinal cauldrons should attempt it.]

Sitting on his bed, Zani smiled from ear to ear.

"Hahaha! To think that haughty little brat was actually speaking truth. Leo truly is my golden goose."

Up until now, the System had issued him five quests. Out of those five, Leo alone completed three of them just by existing, and heavily assisted in a fourth.

"Should I give her this manual first?" Zani muttered, staring at the jade-green booklet now resting in his palm.

He could not help but sigh bitterly. His own physical strength remained stuck at two hundred and sixty kilograms. He needed at least another month of brutal training before qualifying to use this manual to break through the Skin Tempering stage. Meanwhile, Elisi and the others would likely require more than two months.

To think a twelve-year-old girl is going to leave me in the dust. This martial world really is unfair.

Just as Zani debated whether to withhold the manual to protect his fragile pride, the System prompted him again.

[Ding~]

[New Quest: Have a disciple officially enter the Skin Tempering Realm.]

[Rewards: 10 EXP and a 1st-Grade Artifact – Skin Tempering Rod.]

"Well," Zani chuckled, shaking his head. "Looks like the System made the choice for me."

Standing up, he immediately exited his room.

"Leo, come here," he called out.

In the main hall, Leo was helping Elisi stretch when she heard Zani call her. She glanced at him with annoyance before reluctantly following.

The Gym does not have a dedicated office. More than a month ago, when Bai officially moved in, the adjacent room Zani used for paperwork was reassigned as the instructor's bedroom. Now, if anyone requires a private discussion, they are either called directly into Zani's bedroom or a wooden table is hastily set up in the courtyard.

Zani waited for Leo to step inside his quarters before firmly closing the door behind them.

"What is it?" Leo asked, crossing her small arms haughtily.

Zani stayed quiet for a moment, letting her take the seat first.

"Leo, when exactly are you planning to temper your skin?"

"What does that have to do with you?" she fired back instantly.

But seeing Zani's uncharacteristically serious expression, she quieted down. "I... I will wait and do it with Elisi."

"With Elisi? Why?" Zani raised an eyebrow.

Leo shifted uncomfortably, unable to voice her deep attachment to her only genuine friend. Instead, her natural arrogance flared up to mask the embarrassment.

"Oh, right, why are you even asking me?" Leo scoffed. "Our gym does not even possess a proper breathing manual, does it?"

Having lived here for over a month, Leo knew the gym's shallow foundations better than anyone.

"Do not worry," she continued, raising her chin gracefully. "As a generous person, I will lend you a High-Grade breathing manual from my clan's vault. But you absolutely cannot teach it to the others! And in exchange, you have to promise to abandon that loyal army plan of yours."

"Loyal army plan?" Zani blinked.

"Whatever it was! Building a loyal mortal army with those inner disciples!" Leo demanded, her voice rising slightly. "Just stop it, okay? You will get yourself killed!"

Zani stared at her for a second.

"Pfft-Hahaha!"

He could not hold it in anymore, bursting into genuine, unrestrained laughter. This spoiled little brat... is she worried about me, mad at me, or just annoyed by my existence?

"What are you laughing at, you insolent-"

"Okay, okay," Zani wheezed, waving his hand to placate her. "What I told you before... I might not have disclosed everything about our gym to you. You see, our hidden heritage is actually quite profound."

"Oh, really?" Leo rolled her eyes so hard it physically hurt.

"Yes. Here."

Handing her the jade-green booklet, Zani sat down on the bed beside her. "This is a Top-Grade Skin Tempering breathing manual. I want you to memorize its contents as fast as possible."

Leo looked at the booklet in her hands. Instead of being awestruck, she threw her head back and laughed mockingly.

"Did you say 'Top-Grade'? Hahaha!"

She wiped a tear of mirth from her eye, looking at Zani as if he were a country bumpkin. "Old man, there is no such thing as a 'Top-Grade' manual! Are you trying to test my knowledge?"

 

[Pind_Ala]

Leo's mocking laughter echoed through the small room. She stared at Zani as though he were a delusional man who had completely lost his mind.

Yet, instead of becoming angry, Zani merely sighed.

"Leo," he said, looking at the haughty girl with the deep, pitying gaze of an ancient sage. "Even though you hail from an unfathomable background, it seems your knowledge of the martial path is still somewhat... shallow."

"Shallow?!" Leo gasped, clearly offended. "Then please, Master, enlighten me."

Zani smiled faintly and began to explain.

"Listen closely. In this world, Skin Tempering breathing manuals are rigidly divided into four tiers: Low, Medium, High, and Top."

Leo's expression gradually became more serious.

"Low-Grade manuals only temper an isolated section of the body, such as a left hand or a right leg. Medium-Grade manuals can temper entire limbs or the torso. High-Grade manuals, meanwhile, are prized by powerful factions because they can temper the entire body uniformly."

Zani paused, allowing the information to sink in.

"But do you know the true logic behind these grades?"

Leo remained silent.

"To match the tempering achieved by a Medium-Grade manual, a person must perfectly synthesize four different Low-Grade manuals. Similarly, to reach the flawless peak of Skin Tempering, one needs to perfectly combine the essence of four High-Grade manuals."

His voice carried an air of absolute certainty.

"That compounding perfection... is what creates a Top-Grade manual."

Leo's eyes widened slightly.

She had expected another one of Zani's ridiculous claims, yet his explanation followed such impeccable logic that she found herself unconsciously listening.

"Furthermore, the grades directly dictate a martial artist's raw kinetic strength," Zani continued, his voice ringing with authority. "Regardless of the manual, progressing through a Skin Tempering stage generally grants an increase of one hundred and fifty kilograms of force. But the entry thresholds are vastly different."

Zani raised a finger for each point. "Low-Grade: Entry at one hundred kilograms, peaking at two hundred and fifty. Medium-Grade: Entry at one hundred and fifty kilograms, peaking at three hundred. High-Grade: Entry at two hundred kilograms, peaking at three hundred and fifty."

He leaned forward, looking directly into her eyes. "But a Top-Grade manual? The entry requirement alone is a terrifying three hundred kilograms. And the peak? It shatters all established limits, granting a two-hundred-kilogram increase and peaking at a monstrous five hundred kilograms!"

Listening to him unravel concepts that perhaps even her Immortal clan did not know, Leo sat utterly dumbfounded.

"I... I did not know that," she finally murmured, staring at the jade-tinted booklet in her hands with entirely new reverence.

"It is only natural that you did not," Zani said smoothly, offering a faint, mysterious smile. "So, from this day forward, simply follow my guidance. I will definitely lead us to the apex of this world."

"Hmph! I still do not believe you!" she stammered, her face flushing red. She abruptly stood, yanked open the wooden door, and marched out of the room.

"Oh, well," Zani sighed to himself, amused by her childish retreat.

The reality was that everything he had just recited came directly from the Skin Tempering Introduction Manual booklet he got as reward.

I do not even know if any of it is actually true!

Standing up, he retrieved the Medicinal Cauldron recipe from his drawer and meticulously started memorizing the brewing process.

Time passed quickly.

By evening, the drugged mud boars finally awoke. Although Zani had gained knowledge on how to domesticate these beasts, knowing the process and actually carrying it out were two entirely different things.

His first attempt had already gone poorly.

The bait had been too much overdosed, causing one of the weaker piglets to die in its sleep. The remaining members of the family stayed groggy for several hours before finally recovering.

By the time they fully awoke and began raging against the iron fences, Zani had already hired two full-time caretakers.

One was a seasoned hunter, responsible for safely collecting nuts, specific herbs, and raw meat from the forest for the boars' specialized diet. The other was a caretaker, tasked with cleaning the pen and managing the beasts' daily needs.

With a highly generous salary of two silver coins a month per person, many eager villagers had rushed to apply. Surprisingly, it was the rugged woman hunter from previous gathering who secured the positions. Cashing in the guaranteed favor she held with the gym, she bypassed the line entirely, securing steady, safe jobs for both herself and her teenage son.

As night approached, Zani sat alone on the roof of the main hall, a cool breeze rustling his robes.

"Hmm. I am broke again," he muttered.

A financial ledger and a warm cup of brew were his only companions as dark, heavy clouds formed in the sky above Big Wheat Village.

"Will it rain?" he mused, staring upward. "Whatever."

Looking back down at his ledger, he traced the numbers with his finger. "Twenty-one silver and thirty coppers. That is all I have left after paying the hunters' bounty and footing the bill for banquet. Even from this subtotal, four silver must be reserved for the caretakers' first month of salary."

Although he spoke bitterly about the bleeding of his capital, pure happiness plastered his face. After a long, grueling stalemate, his faction had finally taken a massive step forward.

He now held the key to the first stage of the martial path.

DRIP. DRIP.

It started raining, a steady, rhythmic downpour that lasted the entire night.

The next day, early in the morning, as the Iron Core Gym opened its doors to welcome the outer disciples, two prominent guests were already standing outside.

"Village Chief Sythe, remember, immediately after introducing me, you must excuse yourself," Chaao instructed quietly, adjusting his silk robes.

"Yes, Brother Chaao," Sythe nodded respectfully. The old Chief did not entirely know what was going on, but acting as a middleman was the perfect opportunity to forge high-level connections with the man.

Meanwhile, Chaao was currently engaged in a violent internal struggle on exactly how to approach this conversation.

Last night, when he reported that bandits might be planning a coordinated strike against the Gym, Mayor Salam had immediately begun brewing increasingly paranoid plans to protect the supposed 'hidden Immortal' pawns.

Unable to take it anymore, Chaao had chosen to be honest. He boldly questioned the Mayor's extreme decisions, pointing out that there was no solid evidence proving an Immortal actually existed behind Zani.

Why risk a full-scale war?

Instead of getting angry, Mayor Salam simply stared at him. Since he doubted his political insight, the Mayor ordered him to investigate the gym master himself.

"Do as you please," the Mayor had said, practically kicking him out of the office. "Just be polite. If you offend that expert, I will sever your head myself."

Now, here Chaao was, sweating bullets on a cool morning, trying to uncover the truth by meeting the man himself.

After a few minutes, a disciple came to the gates and politely invited them inside.

Crossing through the iron gates, they made their way across the grassy courtyard, which remained slick and wet from the night's heavy downpour. A short distance away, a wooden table sat prepared with three chairs and a fresh pot of steaming tea. Resting at the head of the table was the man he was here to interrogate.

"It is good to see you again, Village Chief Sythe," Zani greeted, his tone measured and calm.

"Brother Zani, I hope you are well," Sythe smiled, gesturing to his companion. "Please meet Chaao, a very good brother of mine from the city."

After exchanging basic pleasantries and taking their seats, Sythe respectfully excused himself, leaving the gym exactly as instructed.

The moment the old Chief disappeared from sight, the mood shifted. Left alone, the two young men sat in silence as an awkward atmosphere descended over the table.

Finally, Zani decided to break the ice. "So, Brother Chaao. Are you a part of the Mayor's Manor?"

"Yes," Chaao answered carefully.

"Are you here on the Mayor's behalf, then?"

"You could say that," Chaao replied, his mind racing. "But... it is not entirely just that."

"Hmm. Then what exactly is it?" Zani raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his tea.

At this point, Chaao just wanted to ask directly.

Are you just a merchant or the puppet of an Immortal?!

But, remembering the lessons taught by Mayor Salam on how to navigate political circles, he began his careful interrogation.

"You see, Brother Zani," Chaao started, leaning forward with a friendly smile, "when you first established this Gym, the Mayor liked your innovative ideas very much. He even decreed to support others who want to do something similar."

Right. That definitely happened when he deliberately used me as a political pawn against the dojos, Zani thought cynically, keeping his face perfectly blank.

"We have quietly helped many factions in the past," Chaao continued, "but we have never truly helped you, have we? So tell me, Brother Zani..."

Chaao paused, watching the young gym master's eyes for any microscopic shift in emotion.

"...Is there anything you want?"

 

[Pind_Ala]

Is there anything you want?

Zani's mind raced at the question. Why is he asking me this? Does the Mayor's Manor want to purchase my equipment? Or perhaps they want to force all my future graduates to join their ranks?

As the silence stretched between them, Zani weighed his options. The truth was that he desperately needed help right now. Specifically, he needed silver. Or perhaps even gold.

In the end, he simply stated what was on his mind. "Brother Chaao, I do, in fact, need some help."

"Hmm." Chaao nodded slowly, not surprised in the slightest. According to the Mayor, Zani was an Immortal's puppet. His most important duty would naturally be to ensure his hidden master remained undisturbed by mortal trivialities. Now that a local bandit group planned to attack the Gym, the proxy could either beg his master for intervention or ask for external help.

Since the Manor was offering assistance upfront, it only made sense for him to accept.

"Tell me, Brother Zani. What kind of help do you require?" Chaao asked, leaning forward intently. "We from the Mayor's Manor will try our absolute best."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Zani finally spoke. "It is not much. I just want you to help me host a competition."

"A... competition?" Chaao blinked, completely thrown off by the bizarre request.

"Yes." Zani smiled, his eyes curving into sharp crescents. "From your side, I only need the financial backing. Everything else can be handled by us."

"You can handle everything else?"

"Yes. Do not worry on that front, Brother Chaao," Zani assured him smoothly, pouring them both a fresh cup of tea. "I already have a solid, foolproof plan ready."

For the next half-hour, Zani passionately explained the logistics of a grand tournament, covering everything from entry fees to prize pools. Entirely derailed by the bizarre turn in the conversation, Chaao could only sit there, bobbing his head to every word like a hen.

In the end, he departed the Gym with a thoroughly muddled mind. Is there really an Immortal backer? I am sure the Mayor is mistaken. Should I just attack him and be done with it?

Watching his guest leave, Zani stood alone and chuckled. "Hahaha! I really am heaven's favorite. With this funding secured, I can move straight to my next plan. Who would have thought the Mayor would offer help on his own?"

Carefree as always, he entered the main hall to continue his training.

An hour later, inside the Mayor's office.

Standing before the wooden desk, Chaao dutifully reported every detail of the bizarre conversation. Unable to make any strategic sense of it himself, he laid out the facts exactly as they had occurred.

"Hahaha! You did well, Chaao!" Mayor Salam laughed heartily, stroking his beard.

"I... I did well?"

"Yes, you did, my son," the Mayor nodded proudly. "But there were some minor mistakes in your conduct, which I must correct."

For the next ten minutes, poor Chaao was ruthlessly lectured on how he should have been infinitely more humble.

"Listen closely," Mayor Salam said, his eyes gleaming with conviction. "When he specifically stated that 'everything else will be handled by us,' it means the Immortal already knows everything and intends to personally crush those who dare to strike against the gym."

"It also indirectly proves he has noticed our efforts, and this 'competition' is not a request for money - it is a test. The Immortal is giving us an opportunity to prove our sincerity this time."

"An opportunity?" Chaao wanted to ask for clarification, but he swallowed his words, terrified of triggering another lecture. Yet, it was all for naught...

Seeing his son-in-law in such a bewildered state, Salam sighed and decided to explain things more clearly.

"You might be thinking, why would an Immortal want to hold a mere competition? Right?"

"Y-Yes, Mayor."

"The ways of the Immortals are unfathomable," Salam said, gazing out the window toward the heavens. "I once heard that every Immortal walks a different Dao. Some focus purely on strength, while others dedicate themselves to music or art. Yet, all of them share one ultimate goal: to reach even greater heights."

When the Mayor turned back toward him, his gaze was heavy. "The reality is, our region is barren. It cannot sustain an Immortal, much less help them grow. You might see them once in a while in the Capital, but they never speak with mortal martial artists like us. That is exactly why I am so crazy about this one-in-a-hundred possibility! If there truly is an Immortal playing a game behind that Gym, we must be the most useful pieces on his board."

"I understand." Chaao bowed deeply.

"Good. Be ready to make another trip to the Iron Core Gym," Salam ordered. "This time, make it clear that we only have a humble favor to ask and do not need the split of the profits as mentioned."

"Tell Zani the Manor will handle the hiring of workers and the spreading of news across the city and its surroundings. They just need to prepare the prizes and host the event."

"Yes, Mayor!"

Bowing again, Chaao swiftly exited the office. As he walked down the opulent halls, he kept his most burning thought entirely to himself. Is my father-in-law going crazy? Can't he see the flaws in what I just told him?

Two days later.

Behind the main hall of the Iron Core Gym was an isolated area between the main wall and the building itself, a place where no one usually went.

Currently, both Leo and Zani stood there in the morning shade.

"Are you ready?" Zani asked, his voice deadpan and serious.

"Yes," Leo nodded. She had discarded her veil for this, her small face set in lines of fierce determination.

Zani raised a thick wooden staff and struck Leo, who stood before him, fully bracing her small body for the impact.

THWACK!

The first heavy blow struck her shoulder with brutal force.

"Ah!" Leo gasped.

Although a fierce red welt immediately bloomed across her pale skin, Zani did not stop. His expression remained cold and unmoved as he continued striking her in a steady, rhythmic pattern.

Skin Tempering required the body's physical foundation to first be broken down from the outside before it could be rebuilt stronger from within.

For half an hour, the rhythmic thud of wood striking flesh echoed through the area. Finally, Leo's knees buckled. She could not take it anymore.

"Enough!" she cried out, collapsing onto the dirt.

Panting heavily, her entire body trembled in agony as she looked over her shoulder. "Did... did Elisi come?"

Zani calmly lowered the staff and looked toward the corner leading back to the courtyard. Sure enough, Elisi stood there beside the large wooden tub he had asked her to prepare.

"Elisi, come here," Zani commanded.

Elisi hurriedly ran over, dropping to her knees beside Leo. Her hands hovered nervously, as if terrified to touch the girl's bruised and battered skin.

"Are you alright?!" she asked.

"The first time... is always the harshest," Leo grunted, trying to sound tough despite the tears welling in her eyes. "Now... I need to endure the pain using the breathing technique."

Standing with Elisi's support, Leo looked at her friend. "Take me to my quarters."

"Why?" Zani's voice suddenly cut through the emotional moment, stopping them in their tracks. "Where do you think you are going? You need to soak in a medicinal cauldron right now."

"A medicinal cauldron?" Leo froze, staring at him in disbelief.

Of course, Leo knew what a medicinal cauldron was. Aside from being mentioned in passing in the Top-Grade breathing manual, it is common knowledge across the martial world that specialized medicinal baths are required to drastically speed up physical recovery.

However, medicinal cauldrons are astronomically expensive, tightly controlled resources, only available for purchase in major cities or the Imperial Capital itself. A single cauldron costs at least ten silver coins, and they are exclusively sold in bundles of ten!

How could a peasant who constantly cries about a lack of funds use a hundred silver coins to buy medicinal resources?!

Ignoring her dumbfounded stare, Zani simply reached into his robes. Using the cover of his garments, he smoothly extracted one of the reward cauldrons directly into his hand.

The moment he unsealed it, an incredibly potent, earthy aroma instantly filled the area.

Zani dumped the pungent medicine into the large wooden tub filled with the boiling-hot water Elisi had prepared earlier. As the medicinal mixture began to bubble and steam, he clapped the dust from his hands.

"Elisi, help her bathe so the medicine can seep into the bruises," Zani instructed before turning his back on them. "I am leaving now."

 

[Pind_Ala]

Two more days passed.

Leo endured brutal beatings from Zani twice a day, followed immediately by soaking in the pungent medicinal cauldron to rapidly heal her torn muscles.

That evening, a pleasant chime echoed in Zani's mind.

[Ding~]

[Quest: Have a disciple officially enter the Skin Tempering Iron Realm.]

[Status: Completed]

[Rewards: 10 EXP and a 1st-Grade Artifact - Skin Tempering Iron Rod.]

[EXP: 100/100]

[First-Grade Artifact: Skin Tempering Iron Rod]

[Summary: A top-tier artifact within the first grade. It possesses internal formations allowing the user to freely adjust its total mass, ranging from a minimum of 5 kg to a maximum of 50 kg.]

[In major sects, it is the standard tool utilized by masters to help disciples mend and temper their skin, hence its name.]

[Warning: While it can be utilized in actual combat, it is entirely ineffective against experts who have reached the 3rd Stage of Body Tempering.]

Sitting alone in his quarters, Zani stared at the translucent blue screen. Yet, instead of being overjoyed by the rewards and a full EXP bar, his eye twitched.

She entered the Bronze Skin stage in just two days?! He clutched his chest, feeling his fragile ego take a massive hit.

After taking a few deep breaths to soothe the sting of his inferior talent, Zani turned his attention back to the desk. He was currently busy learning how to synthesize the medicinal cauldron.

It is simply a highly concentrated paste created by heating and mixing specific herbs with boar secretions. The reason it is called a 'cauldron' is because the resulting paste must be diluted in exactly one standard-sized wooden cauldron of boiling water to achieve the perfect medicinal bath.

HISS!

A foul stream of black smoke suddenly erupted from his small mixing bowl.

"Argh!" Zani groaned, burying his face in his hands as he ruined yet another batch. "At this rate, I am going to burn through my remaining silver before the competition even starts!"

When the next day arrived, the morning sun shone brightly in the sky, but its brilliance paled in comparison to the massive, uncontainable smile plastered across Zani's face.

"Hahaha! I finally mastered the brew! I truly am a genius!"

The disciples practicing in the courtyard watched in awe as their unfathomable Master proudly strutted toward the main gates, laughing and talking to himself.

Approaching the heavy iron gates, he spotted a familiar figure in silk robes already waiting.

"Oh, Brother Chaao!" Zani greeted, his eyes curving into sharp crescents. "You have already arrived. Welcome, welcome!"

Today was their final meeting to lock in the tournament's logistics. Once finalized, the Mayor's Manor would utilize its vast network to handle the marketing.

Later that exact same evening, an identical, massive parchment notice was posted on the Iron Core Gym's notice board, as well as on every major street corner throughout Grains City.

NOTICE: THE GRAND CULINARY COMPETITION
On the Fifth Day of the First Autumn Month, a grand Culinary Competition will be held at the Iron Core Gym. Passionate participants from all over the city and beyond are cordially invited to compete! This historic event will determine the Best Chef of Grains City.
First Prize: A live Mud Boar Piglet AND 10 Silver Coins!
Hosted by the Iron Core Gym. Officially Approved and Sponsored by the Mayor's Manor.

Click to shrink...

Below the massive headline, small text detailed the strict rules, runner-up prizes, and mandatory participant registration fees. It also explicitly mentioned that up to one thousand audience members could enter the grounds to watch, provided they paid the spectator entry fee.

The moment these notices hit the streets, the entire city exploded in a chaotic uproar.

The citizens went absolutely mad. Until now, they had only ever heard of grand martial tournaments being held in distant major cities. This was the very first time a city-wide competition was being hosted in Grains City, and it was a unique, never-before-seen cooking contest!

"A culinary competition? What do you think that will even look like?"

"I think it's fake."

"Father, we must participate! If we win, our noodle stall will become famous overnight!"

"The Best Chef of Grains City? Do they not know that title already belongs to me?! Hmph. Ignorant fools, they shall suffer my wrath!"

"Hubby, should I participate too? Don't you always praise my stew?"

"Hehehe... It's going to be held in an open space. That means we can easily steal other people's secret family recipes!"

"A cooking contest? Bah! This is an insult to true martial artists such as myself!"

"The Iron Core Gym... Interesting..."

In less than a week, fueled by the Mayor's shadow network, the news rapidly traveled to neighboring cities, prompting hundreds of eager people to begin making the trip.

Meanwhile, back in the city center, just a few minutes after the notices were officially posted, a different kind of reaction was brewing inside the Mountain Shaking Fist Dojo.

"Hahaha! The Iron Core Gym. It is them again."

A towering man with a physique built like a literal mountain sat at the head of a long table. Every time he laughed, his dense muscles trembled violently beneath his robes.

"Perfect. Just perfect," Master Nagar smiled cruelly. "Looks like we will be delaying our raid just a bit longer."

Nagar, the master of the Mountain Shaking Fist Dojo, was a deeply ambitious man. The moment he discovered that a tiny, insignificant faction like the Iron Core Gym possessed the immense wealth of pure iron, extreme greed had taken root in his heart. He immediately ordered his subordinate bandit gang to attack the gym in the middle of the night and steal everything.

After all, the martial path is a bottomless pit of expenses, and to advance, one constantly needs more silver.

In his youth, Nagar had been a member of one of the most ruthless bandit gangs in the Earth Dragon Empire: The Diggers. As a talented youth, he reached the perfection of the Skin Tempering realm before he even turned sixteen. But because he was young and his loyalty heavily questioned, the gang leaders refused to give him a 2nd Stage breathing manual, despite his constant pleading.

Driven by ambition, he eventually stole a copy of the manual and fled, ultimately settling in the vicinity of Grains City. At first, he returned to his roots. He acted as a bandit and created a new gang, even taking in a loyal subordinate he treated as his little brother.

But it was simply not enough. This region was too poor, and the Mayor's elite guards were far too powerful for him to openly siege the city or its affiliated villages.

Playing the long game, Nagar left the bandit gang in the hands of his little brother and officially entered Grains City to open a legitimate dojo. It served as a flawless front for funding and recruiting loyal subordinates. From time to time, he secretly used his bandit connections to rob specific targets, ensuring everything progressed smoothly.

Recently, Nagar had finally hit the bottleneck of the 2nd Stage of Body Tempering. Although he was nearly thirty years old now, his raw power remained unmatched in the city. He could finally proceed with his ultimate plan.

His strategy was simple: rob a few high-profile, wealthy targets to enrage Mayor Salam. Once the Mayor left the heavily fortified safety of his Manor to personally hunt the bandits down, Nagar would ambush him, sever his head, and swiftly capture the entire city. After looting everything of value, he would make his grand escape.

The Iron Core Gym was supposed to be the second wealthy target he sent his bandits to rob. But his men failed. They were captured scaling the walls and were likely already dead.

The Mayor must know my intentions by now, right? Nagar thought, his heavy brow furrowing. So why hasn't he mobilized his army to hunt us down?

In his frustrated rage, Nagar had been preparing to launch a full-scale attack on the Iron Core Gym just to force the Mayor's hand. But then, this Culinary Competition notice was posted.

Now, he could afford to wait.

If the Mayor was officially sponsoring this massive public event, it meant the paranoid ruler would undoubtedly attend the tournament in person, giving him the perfect opportunity to strike.

Stepping outside his private hall, Nagar looked down at the dojo courtyard.

Three youths were currently kneeling there, trembling slightly. They were the very same disciples who had successfully graduated from the Iron Core Gym and chosen to join his dojo.

"Talk," Nagar commanded, his deep voice rumbling like an earthquake. "Tell me everything you know about this Gym Master Zani."

 

[Pind_Ala]

Despite the massive, city-wide announcement surrounding the upcoming culinary competition, the atmosphere inside the Iron Core Gym remained exactly the same.

The daily training sessions proceeded as usual, offering Zani a fleeting sense of peace. Currently, he stood in the center of the main hall, sweating profusely as he pushed his physical limits. He was straining to deadlift three hundred kilograms, desperately hoping to finally shatter his bottleneck and break through.

[Ding~]

[Displaying upgrade conditions to reach Sect Level 2:]

[1. Have a working kitchen, fully equipped and large enough to feed 60 people simultaneously.]

[2. Increase the Sect's total area to 10,000 square feet, all enclosed within a boundary wall.]

[3. Build and designate official Accommodations for 10 Inner Disciples and 2 Core Disciples.]

[Rewards: Maximum Disciple Capacity increased to 60, and an upgrade to the 'Talent Evaluation Eye'.]

CLANG!

The heavy iron rod slipped from his grasp, slamming violently into the stone floor.

Zani simply stood there, staring at the translucent blue text floating in his vision. A headache was already beginning to form. "I need to fulfill all of these conditions just to reach Level 2?!"

"What conditions, Master Zani?"

Because he was training in the main hall surrounded by his disciples, his muttering had not gone unnoticed. Thankfully, only Elisi, who was training closest to him, heard his words.

"Nothing, Elisi," Zani sighed, waving his hand dismissively. "I was just thinking about our severe lack of funds."

"Again? You really are a weird master," Elisi teased, wiping sweat from her brows. She glanced around suspiciously to make sure no one was listening before silently stepping closer and lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "I say, there is only one way to cure a headache like that. How about we go out and eat something delicious for dinner? Hehehe..."

"Huh. Look at the time. I am out of here. You continue with your squats."

Thanks to his quick thinking and immediate retreat, Zani successfully escaped the main hall before the gluttonous girl could begin her pitiful, dramatic begging for expensive meat.

Safely back inside his quarters, he carefully read through the message again.

Every single one of these conditions requires mountains of silver, Something I currently do not have.

He briefly considered selling the medicinal cauldrons or the First-Grade Skin Tempering Iron Rod, but quickly discarded the suicidal idea. As he currently lacked the strength to protect himself, exposing such treasures to the city would only invite greedy wolves to tear him apart.

No, his current best bet was the upcoming culinary competition.

If he could earn enough silver from the entry and spectator fees, he could permanently hire top-tier chefs. With his established partnership with the local hunters providing a cheap, stable meat supply, he could finally get the kitchen running and satisfy the System's first requirement. Furthermore, providing daily, nutritious meals would give him a rock-solid justification to increase the outer disciples' monthly tuition by at least fifty or sixty coppers.

"I really hope this event is a success," he muttered to the empty room.

Time continued to flow.

Ten days before the big event, Zani officially stepped into the Skin Tempering Realm. However, he was nowhere near as thrilled as he had expected to be, because little Leo was already nearing the perfection of the Bronze Skin stage.

Five days before the event.

Regular training sessions were temporarily suspended as construction overtook the courtyard. The workers dispatched by the Mayor's Manor were undeniably the best in the city. Before even arriving, they had prefabricated the wooden stages, elaborate cooking stations, and tiered seating areas. All that remained was the final assembly. Everything had been brilliantly designed so that it could be smoothly disassembled and transported away the day after the event.

Three days before the event.

Registration for the competing chefs officially opened.

Just outside the Iron Core Gym's main gates, a large makeshift tent had been erected. Three figures sat behind a long wooden desk: Elisi, Leo and Zani.

Elisi was in charge of recording and questioning the applicants. Leo, hidden inside the towering 'Bai' puppet, served as silent, looming intimidation. Taking the center seat, Zani oversaw the entire operation.

"Please state your name, age, origin, specialty, and whether you are currently affiliated with any power." Elisi recited professionally to the middle-aged woman standing before them.

"Yes. My name is Tassy. I am thirty-six years old, born and raised right here in Grains City," the woman answered, her hands fidgeting nervously. "I am quite skilled at handling rich broths and meat dishes. Currently, I work as a head chef for the Bluey Merchants."

"Thank you," Elisi nodded, dipping her quill into the ink. "And the final question: will you join our Gym's kitchen staff if you place in the Top Five?"

"I... no-"

Seeing the woman hesitate, Zani subtly poked his disciple in the back, triggering their prearranged signal.

"You can speak freely. No one else can hear you inside this tent," Elisi whispered smoothly, leaning over the desk. "We will offer you highly lucrative working conditions and a premium salary if you actually win."

"Really?" Tassy's eyes widened in disbelief.

"Yes."

After hesitating for a long moment, the woman finally admitted the truth. "I have two young children... a boy and a girl. If you can support my family and keep them fed, I will leave the merchants and join your establishment."

Because the condition sounded so simple, Zani nodded and accepted her terms on a whim.

It was only much later that he would discover absolutely nothing is ever 'simple' in this world.

Time flowed quickly, bringing them to the final hour of the registration period.

"Oh, man! Why do all the famous chefs who can prepare delicious, yummy, mouth-watering food keep refusing to join us?!"

Today was the second and final day of registration. Not a single soul had entered the tent in the last three hours, leaving Elisi bored enough to resort to throwing a dramatic tantrum.

"Okay, okay. If you behave, I will let you eat all you want as my official 'Taste-Testing Sidekick' during the event. So please, just keep quiet for now," Zani comforted her.

In truth, he felt her pain. He had hoped to casually poach the winner and runner-ups to serve his Gym, but city politics and established faction loyalties were proving incredibly stubborn. The truly talented chefs were already firmly tied to various powers.

"Someone is here," Bai's deep, gravelly voice echoed from the side, instantly silencing the tent.

The heavy canvas flap was pushed aside, and a young man stepped inside.

His clothes were entirely shredded, and he was covered in thick, dark grime from head to toe. To put it bluntly, the man looked significantly worse than the actual beggars wandering the back alleys of Grains City. Yet, as he slowly walked toward the wooden desk, his slouched posture completely failed to hide the sharp, piercing light in his eyes.

"Should I...?" Bai asked quietly, raising his tree-trunk-like arm as if ready to throw the vagrant out. Beside him, Elisi was actively pinching her nose in exaggerated disgust.

"No," Zani whispered back. "And Elisi, he's just covered in dried mud. He doesn't even smell. Stop the dramatic act and start the process."

"Y-Yes, Master." Elisi straightened up in her chair and cleared her throat. "Name, age, origin, specialty, and if you are currently affiliated with any power."

The dirty man looked slightly bewildered by the formal interrogation before nodding slowly. "Julian. Twenty-five years old. I am... good at cooking."

"Good at cooking? Obviously! That's exactly why you are here!" Elisi huffed impatiently, tapping her quill against the wood. "What about your origin and affiliation?"

"I was kicked out."

"Oooookay, we're done here. Just hand over the forty coppers for the entry fee now," she said, clearly trying to end the unpleasant conversation as quickly as possible.

THWACK!

Zani mercilessly chopped the top of her head with the side of his hand.

"Ouch!"

"I told you to handle the process! Is this the proper process?!" he scolded fiercely.

This child. Zani gritted his teeth. After spending so much time with that haughty Leo, she's starting to adopt her arrogance! As her Master, he needed to nip this bad behavior in the bud before it ruined her.

"I... I only have twenty coppers on me."

Julian spoke up calmly, unfazed by the blatant disrespect he had just been shown.

"Ahem." Zani coughed aloud, instantly shifting his posture into his unfathomable, official persona.

In reality, Julian was not the first person to approach them with insufficient funds over the past two days. Anticipating this possibility, Zani had already prepared a backup plan for securing desperate talents.

"We will accept fifteen coppers from you," Zani stated smoothly, interlocking his fingers as he rested his elbows on the desk. "However, to cover the remainder of the entry fee, you must agree to a few mandatory conditions."

"First, you will officially join our Gym's kitchen staff if you manage to reach the Top Ten. Second, after the initial screening rounds, during the one-on-one knockout, you will be strategically matched against our seeded contestants. And third, you will absolutely not speak of this backroom offer to a single soul."

Zani stared deeply into the beggar's sharp eyes, letting the heavy silence stretch. "Tell me, Julian. Do you accept these terms?"

Julian thought for a brief moment before letting out a heavy sigh, as if finally releasing a crushing burden from his past. He looked up and nodded, a sudden intensity returning to his eyes.

"I accept."