Outside the main gate of Everwood Palace, 15 martial artists awaited Aksai’s summons inside.
All of these martial artists hailed from distinct martial arts schools, either leading their own establishments or preparing to inherit them eventually.
Among the myriad martial arts schools in Serenity Peak City, these 15 schools represented the cream of the crop. As the leaders of their respective organizations, they were considered the elites of Serenity Peak.
Normally, these martial artists would be occupied with managing their martial schools or honing their skills.
However, the lord of Everwood Palace had summoned them simultaneously, compelling them to carve out time from their busy schedules to meet him.
And how did he achieve this? Through the power of money. It worked most of the time, if not always.
As they congregated outside the palace, the martial arts masters engaged in discussion. Despite being competitors vying for military and policing contracts from Serenity Peak’s city administration, Aksai’s broad invitation fostered a relatively casual atmosphere among them.
“Master Jin Johan, what are your thoughts on this young master who has appeared seemingly out of nowhere in Serenity Peak?”
Inquired Grandmaster Lin Sahu, her gaze fixed on the grand wooden gates that remained closed. Eager to learn more about the potential benefactor who had generously offered silver to her Temple of the Guardian martial school, even before they had agreed to teach him.
Grandmaster Lin Sahu was a stout, elderly woman exuding a commanding presence and serene expression. Adorned in traditional robes of earthy tones, symbolizing protection and resilience, her gray hair was neatly tied back in a bun.
Specializing in defensive martial arts techniques, the Temple of the Guardian focused on blocking, parrying, and deflecting attacks. Revered for her unwavering resolve and unyielding defense, Grandmaster Lin Sahu earned the title of “Guardian of the Temple” among her disciples.
“Heh, I see this wealthy lad as nothing more than a wild mushroom sprouting after the rain,” Jin Jolan chuckled, his gaze fixed greedily on the closed gates.
“Whether he learns from me or not doesn’t really bother me. What matters is how much he’s willing to invest in my martial school,” he added, rubbing his hands together eagerly.
Running a martial arts school wasn’t easy. Especially in Serenity Peak’s competitive environment. It required significant funding from established families, organizations, and royal patrons. Therefore, martial schools were always on the lookout for wealthy young masters like Aksai.
Most of the martial artists gathered here sought Aksai’s financial support for their schools. They were willing to enroll him with minimal restrictions if he agreed to become their patron.
Jin Jolan and Lin Sahu weren’t the only ones eager to meet Aksai. Similar discussions took place among other groups, sharing personal experiences and anecdotes about him.
Creak.
Suddenly, the grand gate of the palace swung open, and a young martial artist serving as Aksai’s palace guard emerged. Clasping his hands together, he bowed respectfully to the assembled guests.
“Young master Aksai requests the presence of his esteemed guests. Please follow me,” he announced before turning on his heel.
The 15 martial artists followed the guard inside, marveling at the palace’s opulence and luxurious amenities. Eventually, they found themselves face to face with a young man in his late teens.
“Are you the master of this palace, lad?” Wen Wei asked in a deep voice, eyeing Aksai thoughtfully.
Wen Wei was a tall, muscular man exuding a rugged demeanor and confident stride. His dark hair was tied back in a ponytail, and he sported traditional martial arts attire in shades of red and gold, adorned with symbols representing the rising sun and the forging of swords.
Belonging to the School of the Rising Sun, Wen Wei specialized in swordplay and techniques harnessing qi energy to wield the sword. Revered for his masterful swordsmanship and unwavering dedication, he earned the title of “Blade of the Rising Sun” among his followers.
Despite Aksai’s youthful appearance, Wen Wei couldn’t help but question whether the Spirit farmer was too old to begin martial arts training.
Typically, martial schools recruited students at a young age. Those who commenced training in their early teens had the best chance of success as martial artists. Otherwise, they risked remaining low-stage or mid-stage Bronze Body Experts with limited prospects for advancement.
One had to note that Aksai hadn’t revealed his accomplishments in body cultivation in front of his guests. There was no reason behind it. He just didn’t have the opportunity to reveal his progress in body cultivation as well as Harmony Palm, the sole martial arts he had practiced for the last two years.
“That’s correct, Master Wen Wei,” Aksai smiled at the swordsman, addressing him by name. “I’m Aksai Everwood. It’s a pleasure to finally meet all of you,” he said, offering a courteous bow to those assembled.
Aksai had thoroughly researched the individuals he had invited, familiarizing himself with their martial schools, their history in Serenity Peak, and even some personal details about the martial arts masters.
Thanks to his head maid Zinnia’s meticulous research and guidance, Aksai had chosen worthy martial arts schools based on his requirements before extending invitations. Zinnia had provided Aksai with detailed information gathered during the process.
As a Spirit cultivator, Aksai possessed a sharp mind and photographic memory.
Additionally, equipped with a neural link fabric, he had no trouble recognizing each martial arts master present by name, based on the information provided by Zinnia.
Despite not meeting any of them face to face during his six-month stay, he likely knew more about these martial artists than he did about the Lakir family as a whole.
After all, information gathering was also one of the deadliest powers that one could wield if they had money.
“Young master Aksai, my name is Lin Lan,” a beautiful young woman introduced herself to Aksai, her voice filled with confidence.
“I represent the Lotus Pavilion, and I would like to extend an invitation for you to join our school. At the Lotus Pavilion, we specialize in teaching the White Golden Palm Arts, a top-grade martial arts technique.
This technique consists of three layers. If you manage to master all three layers and practice them to perfection, you will have a high chance of reaching the late-stage Bronze Body Martial Artist level.”