Chapter Forty: The Greatest Reward

Zhong Qiang was the first to step forward and declare his loyalty. Rising, he knelt on one knee with solemnity and said, "Young Master, if you do not disdain my humble abilities, I am willing to swear here and now to devote my life to your service."

"Very well, Captain Zhong, please rise. Now that you have entered the Yang family, I, Yang Cheng, will never fail you," Yang Cheng replied, visibly moved. At last, he had true loyal warriors of his own.

Another man stood up and said, "The sect has no compassion, but the Young Master’s generosity is boundless. I, Liu Dong, wish to pledge my life to you."

Wei Xu also declared, "Wei Xu is grateful for the Young Master’s great kindness and swears lifelong loyalty."

"Young Master..."

In an instant, eight more rose to swear their allegiance, all disciples from various sects. These sect disciples, lacking strong backgrounds and prospects, were not well regarded in their own clans and saw little future in returning. It was better to remain here and live out their days in peace.

Some, however, hesitated, uncertain whether to join the Yang family. For nearly two more years they would stay here regardless. After all, for cultivators, once a vow was made, it could not be easily broken.

But those who did not swear fealty to the Young Master could not predict what the next two years would bring. For a moment, the atmosphere was awkward.

Liu Feng, straightforward as ever, hesitated, then rose and spoke: "Young Master, I am a collateral descendant of the Liu clan in Windward City. Though the main family has abandoned me, I was once the heir to our branch. Falling into servitude was the result of a scheme by those who sought to control my line. I am deeply indebted to your grace and will never forget it. Yet I still wish to return one day and uncover the truth. I hope the Young Master will permit this. Even if I do return, should the Young Master ever require, I will go through fire and water for you, without hesitation."

The remaining men each harbored their own thoughts. Yang Cheng nodded and said, "Very well, there is no need for anyone to feel pressured. Each of you has your own burdens and attachments. I will not force anyone. If in the future you wish to join, the Yang family will always welcome you. For now, simply fulfill your duties, and I will never go back on my word."

There was still plenty of time for them all to get to know one another—some would surely come around. Those who wished to leave would never truly be loyal; it was better to let them go. In doing so, he sowed a seed of kindness, which perhaps would yield unexpected rewards.

While the gratitude of the slave guards was more about numbers, the allegiance of true retainers forged a closer, unbreakable relationship focused on quality. In the future, Yang Cheng could expand his guard and use it as a proving ground for selecting loyal warriors.

At his words, everyone relaxed and bowed in unison. "Thank you for your understanding, Young Master!"

After the others had returned, word of the pledges quickly spread among the other five squads of guards. Those who wished to stay with the Yang family lamented that they had missed the battle and the chance to distinguish themselves.

Left behind with Yang Cheng were four others. Hua Mingzhu, timidly, reported, "Young Master, Master, I gained even more from eliminating the Dagger Gang this time."

"Oh?" Lu Baichuan was surprised, partly by what his disciple had to say and partly by her rare willingness to speak up.

Seeing everyone looking at her, Hua Mingzhu blushed and said, "By observing the footwork of one of their leaders, I deduced a new technique. I believe it would suit the Young Master perfectly, and I wish to present it to him." With that, she produced a cloth filled with meticulous writing.

Lu Baichuan and Yang exchanged glances. Another technique? In just half a month, Hua Mingzhu had devised nearly ten techniques, simply by watching matches in the city’s training grounds and among the guards—even with her own training taking up most of her time. Since she had only recently learned to write, recording them was a struggle, often requiring her master or Chen to help, costing valuable time.

The script on this cloth was strong and clear, nothing like her earlier, childish scrawl. It was obvious she had asked Old Luo to write it for her.

Though Old Luo was not a cultivator himself, he had helped Hua Mingzhu a few times and realized something was extraordinary: time and again, different techniques emerged from the mouth of a young girl. He became fearful, knowing he was privy to the Yang family’s secret, and worried he might blurt something out after a few drinks. So, he moved all his belongings to the Yang estate and rarely left.

Lu Baichuan had many reasons for encouraging Hua Mingzhu to study others’ techniques: to broaden her horizons, to absorb the strengths of many schools, but mainly because the Young Master’s talent was limited, and they needed to find suitable cultivation techniques for him. Hua Mingzhu took this task seriously and worked hard at it.

Upon mention of the new technique, Mei Yuchen’s eyes lit up with excitement. "It really is perfect for the Young Master! I’ve practiced it myself, Mingzhu’s technique, and I could demonstrate it for Brother Cheng and Father."

He looked eagerly at his father for permission. When Lu Baichuan nodded, Mei Yuchen leapt up, his youthful spirit evident—he was eager to show off something he had mastered.

In a flash, Mei Yuchen’s figure blurred, leaving countless afterimages swirling around the hall. In a heartbeat, he circled the entire room and returned to where he started. Yang Cheng was awestruck—now he understood why Mei Yuchen and Hua Mingzhu thought this technique suited him so well.

Though they hadn’t said it outright, this was indeed perfect for him—a true lifesaver!

"Excellent! What a wonderful technique. Mingzhu, you’ve done well this time," Lu Baichuan praised, his experience evident as he examined the technique.

"This technique is profound. Though it doesn’t include combat moves, it can be combined with martial forms. The footwork is incredibly swift, enough to greatly enhance one’s strength. As long as you’re not surrounded or vastly outclassed, there’s no problem escaping or surviving. The higher your cultivation, the faster your movement. Few people study such arts, so they’re exceedingly rare. The man you killed must have had remarkable fortune to obtain it."

He paused, then continued, "The grade of this technique isn’t particularly high, but its rarity makes it precious. Even those at the Qi Refining stage can practice it. Unfortunately, it has no name. Why not let the Young Master name it?"

Yang Cheng sighed inwardly—true masters dwell among the common folk. Such a treasure, and yet the one who possessed it perished so soon. Life is unpredictable. He thought for a moment, recalling martial arts novels from his past life, and said, "Let’s call it ‘Ripple Step.’"

"Ripple Step? That’s a beautiful name! When I perform it, I feel like an immortal strolling leisurely, free and unbound. Brother Cheng, this name fits perfectly," Mei Yuchen praised.

Lu Baichuan nodded in agreement, murmuring the name as he savored its meaning. "The true prize from this campaign is undoubtedly this ‘Ripple Step.’"

"Mingzhu, you’ve rendered great service this time. Is there anything you desire? Speak freely," Yang Cheng said, smiling warmly at her—his demeanor toward the gentle girl was far different from that toward the rougher men.

Mingzhu’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "Young Master, I don’t need any reward. Seeing this technique help you is enough for me."

Yang Cheng couldn’t think of anything suitable to give a young lady at that moment, so he simply nodded and made a mental note.

"Mingzhu, why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?" Mei Yuchen asked in confusion.

"..."