Chapter 48: Lending a Hand

Driving his donkey cart, Chen Luo arrived at the entrance of an escort service—the Tiger Might Escort Service! The gate was imposing, bustling with activity even late at night. Merchants continuously delivered goods, filling the entire courtyard with large crates over two meters wide.

The escort service was established by Cripple Ma’s senior apprentice, whom he had mentioned to Chen Luo during their training days.

When Chen Luo initially planned his trip to White Dragon City, seeking connections was part of his strategy. This is why he visited Master Cripple Ma before leaving—to obtain introductions.

Unfortunately, he couldn’t meet him personally; otherwise, bringing a letter of recommendation would have made things much smoother.

“Who are you here to see?”

Seeing Chen Luo stop his donkey cart, the bodyguard at the gate assumed he was delivering goods and promptly inquired.

“Please inform Master Ruan Jianglong that a disciple from Qingya County has come to visit.”

After getting off the cart, Chen Luo respectfully bowed to the escort service disciple and then produced the token given to him by Cripple Ma from within his sleeve. Without a personal letter, this token would have to suffice. He hoped his uncle-master still acknowledged this connection; otherwise, it could be troublesome.

Relying solely on personal inquiries to find information about the White Immortal Cave was far from ideal. Although the Nineteenth Prince claimed it could be easily discovered anywhere, this assumption relied heavily on his status as a noble prince. For ordinary people, obtaining details about the White Immortal Cave would not be simple; even spending money might yield no results. In Qingya County, he had only managed to learn its approximate location near White Dragon City.

Information often circulates within specific social strata while being completely inaccessible to lower tiers, and knowledge of the White Immortal Cave was no exception.

“A friend from Qingya County?” The bodyguard, holding the token, looked at it with confusion before tucking it away. He then directed Chen Luo, “Please wait in the side hall. It’s designated for receiving guests.”

With that, he waved a hand, and promptly, another disciple arrived to help guide Chen Luo’s mule cart away.

Unconcerned about losing the cart, Chen Luo followed the disciple into Tiger Might Escort Service. Once they settled him in the reception hall, the disciple hurriedly went to the rear courtyard with the token, presumably to report to Chief Ruan.

Chen Luo found a seat, awaiting further developments.

Inside the reception hall, two other guests were present. Judging from their attire, they seemed like genuine clients, likely discussing business with Tiger Might Escort Service. Chen Luo glanced briefly at them before paying no further attention.

His gaze then moved around the room. Apart from the seating area for visitors, there was a large flower pot in one corner containing a thriving green plant. Chen Luo couldn’t identify it; its leaves resembled sword orchids somewhat, but it probably wasn’t, suggesting instead a unique prosperity-bringing plant native to this world.

Businesspeople often believed in such auspicious symbols.

Aside from the plant, the walls hung various calligraphy and paintings adorned with renowned seals of artists.

Unfamiliar with any famous individuals in this world, Chen Luo didn’t examine them closely. However, as his eyes swept past one particular painting, he inadvertently paused upon recognizing a familiar name: Wang Chengguan!

This name left a deep impression on Chen Luo’s memory.

During the military disaster that struck Qingya County, many places were burned down, except for one residence which remained untouched. At the time, Chen Luo had entered to inspect it and found a piece of calligraphy on the desk. The signature written below belonged to none other than ‘Wang Chengguan’.

“Have you also heard of Immortal Master Wang?” Curiously, the merchant sitting next to Chen Luo asked.

From the moment Chen Luo entered, Shen Jiu had been observing him closely. Seeing that they both noticed the same painting, he felt an instant sense of camaraderie.

“Immortal Master Wang?”

Chen Luo was taken aback, not expecting such a background for Wang Chengguan.

However, before he could inquire further, the bodyguard who went to deliver the token returned and immediately addressed Chen Luo upon spotting him.

“The chief escort wants you inside.”

The bodyguard then apologized to Mr. Shen and the other merchant.

“Gentlemen, please wait a moment. I’ve reported your requested bodyguards to the chief escort, and they should be on their way now.”

Both individuals were longstanding clients of Tiger Might Escort Service, waiting here specifically because they had designated certain bodyguards for their protection.

“No rush, no rush.”

They promptly stood up, returning the courtesy to the bodyguard.

A large escort service established within a provincial capital typically signifies significant connections behind the scenes. Despite their wealth, these merchants understood the underlying interests at play and dared not act presumptuously.

Chen Luo followed the escort through the reception hall towards the rear courtyard.

The Tiger Might Escort Service indeed seemed quite expansive.

After exiting the reception hall, they passed through two more courtyards before reaching the chief escort’s residence. Upon arrival, the bodyguard courteously excused himself and turned to leave.

As Chen Luo peered through the courtyard gate, he spotted two individuals seated inside.

One was a burly, bald man with bulging muscles, his menacing aura barely concealed beneath his black short-sleeved shirt. Even sitting still, he exuded the presence of a predator hunting its prey, radiating a sense of ferocity. The other person unexpectedly turned out to be Chen Luo’s master, Cripple Ma!

“Master?!”

Chen Luo was taken aback, not expecting to find Cripple Ma here. No wonder he couldn’t locate him during his earlier visit.

“Haha, perfect timing! Let me introduce you.” Seeing Chen Luo’s shocked expression, Cripple Ma burst into laughter.

He too had been surprised to encounter Chen Luo here. Despite teaching him for only half a month, this disciple had left a profound impression on him. In fact, Chen Luo’s influence played a significant role in Cripple Ma’s decision to venture out again.

“This is your Uncle-Master Ruan Jianglong, the Chief Escort of Tiger Might Escort Service. He is also our Eldest Apprentice Brother in the Black Tiger Fist lineage and a Zongshi, having achieved great mastery of the Black Tiger Fist.” As Cripple Ma spoke, pride filled his face.

Having a Zongshi-level master within their martial lineage was indeed something to be proud of.

Even Cripple Ma was taken aback when he first saw Ruan Jianglong’s achievement on this trip. The concept of a Zongshi warrior was entirely new to him, as no one in the Black Tiger Sect had ever reached such heights with their martial arts.

Achieving mastery in the Black Tiger Fist typically equated to only the initial stages of the Bone Tempering Realm. Yet, Eldest Apprentice Brother managed to elevate this technique to the Zongshi level, which broadened Cripple Ma’s horizons and revealed to him the realms beyond Bone Tempering. However, Cripple Ma also understood that Ruan Jianglong must have encountered unique opportunities; otherwise, it would not have been possible to advance the Black Tiger Fist to such a level.

Such accomplishments set him far apart from his fellow sect members.

Each person has their own story, and in his youth, Cripple Ma himself was once a renowned expert, reaching the Bone Tempering Realm at an early age. Had it not been for unforeseen circumstances, he too might have become a Zongshi by now.

“Greetings, Uncle Master Ruan.”

Chen Luo respectfully bowed to Ruan Jianglong as a junior disciple.

“So this is the genius you mentioned? Doesn’t seem impressive at all.” Ruan Jianglong examined Chen Luo from head to toe, his eyes filled with skepticism. Just like Cripple Ma’s initial assessment, he quickly discerned that Chen Luo lacked exceptional aptitude. He would have believed if someone called him mediocre, but labeling him a genius was far-fetched.

“My apprentice is truly unique; even I misjudged him initially,” Cripple Ma responded, understanding what his senior brother might be thinking.

“Whether he’s a true genius or not can be determined with a simple test. Come, let’s see your strength.”

Ruan Jianglong remained unconvinced and extended his hand, ready to gauge Chen Luo’s capabilities.