Chapter 31: Entering the Hall
Zhou Ming had little interest in weapons or modern combat techniques—not because he looked down on them, but because they simply did not suit him.
Ever since Inkband evolved into a Ferocious Beast, the feedback effect had greatly increased. His body’s flexibility and agility could now rival that of a young girl his age.
And that was even without him intentionally training his body. Considering his male strength, he felt that martial arts like Jujitsu or Snake Fist might suit him better.
As for poison resistance, Zhou Ming had never tried testing it—after all, he wasn’t inclined toward self-torture.
“Handsome guy, are you interested in our Mad Python Martial Hall?”
A young girl wearing a white padded jacket and furry earmuffs rubbed her small hands together as she approached Zhou Ming. Judging by her appearance, she was probably a receptionist for the martial hall before him—but with her age, she looked more like a part-timer.
“A little interested.”
“That’s great!”
Hearing Zhou Ming’s answer, the girl couldn’t help but light up with joy. She hadn’t made a single sale today.
“Please take a look at the detailed information about our martial hall.” She handed over a flyer as she continued enthusiastically, “Our Mad Python Martial Hall has achieved excellent results in numerous martial arts competitions, and even Beast Tamers come here to study the Mad Python Martial Arts.”
“The most famous among them is Deputy Captain Zhao Changhui of the Blood Wolf Hunting Group. Back when he was an Apprentice, he tamed a Blackwater Python. After breaking through to the Official Rank and advancing to Phantasmal Tamer, he mastered the power of the water element. Normally, the water element isn’t known for its offensive capabilities, yet he combined it with Mad Python Martial Arts and managed to strangle a high-tier Ferocious Beast head-on.”
Seeing someone interested in the Mad Python Martial Arts, the young girl fluently recited her memorized sales pitch, even adding the right tone and emphasis at key points.
Zhou Ming took the brochure but didn’t really read it. Instead, he listened to the girl’s words carefully—not because he cared about the authenticity of the content, but because she reminded him of a skilled salesperson, someone who had rehearsed her lines many times.
He himself had once worked such a job.
“Let’s go inside and take a look. You don’t expect me to wait out here, do you?”
Since this seemed the most suitable option anyway, Zhou Ming decided to take a look. If it felt right, he’d choose this place—and besides, he wanted to help the young girl’s business. He could easily tell her pay depended entirely on commission.
It would help him achieve his own goal while giving her a bit of support—just like a small tribute to his past self.
“Okay! Please, this way.”
Seeing that he was truly interested, the girl quickly led Zhou Ming into the martial hall.
The moment they entered the main hall, a wave of warm air greeted them—the heating was on.
Zhou Ming didn’t pay much attention to the surroundings. Instead, his gaze fell on the students practicing martial arts.
Most of the trainees at Mad Python Martial Hall were lean and wiry. Though some lacked visible muscle, each movement they performed was filled with power, as if strong springs were coiled within their bodies.
“Xiao Lei, is this a guest? Why not take him to the reception room?”
A man in formal attire who looked to be in his thirties approached Zhou Ming and asked.
“It’s fine. I just wanted to stop here and take a look,” Zhou Ming replied casually.
He never liked to cause trouble for others because of himself.
“I see. Well then, if you’ve seen enough, why not come inside for a chat?”
Though Zhou Ming looked young, his clothes were clearly high quality. The manager, who had sharp eyes, immediately grew more enthusiastic.
“Alright.”
Seeing Zhou Ming agree, the manager quickly turned to the young girl.
“Xiao Lei, prepare some tea.”
“Yes, Manager.”
As long as Zhou Ming paid and enrolled, the performance bonus would count as hers. Hearing that the manager asked her to prepare tea, she happily agreed.
Inside the reception room.
“May I have your name, sir?”
“Zhou Ming.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhou. I’m He Sheng, the manager of Mad Python Martial Hall. May I ask what type of course you’re interested in? We offer both public classes and one-on-one training. The personal coaches are all direct disciples of our master—they’re the real deal.”
As expected of a manager—he skillfully guided the conversation to make it sound as though the customer had already decided to sign up.
It wasn’t that Zhou Ming was unusually clever, but he’d once been trained in sales himself. Still, those were memories he didn’t care to revisit.
“To be direct, I want to learn the complete Mad Python Martial Arts—the practice methods, combat techniques, and the matching medicinal brews. I need a personal coach. How much will that cost?”
“Ah—”
Manager He almost choked on his own breath. He had dealt with many clients, but this was his first time meeting someone so straightforward—and clearly, a big spender.
“If I may ask, Mr. Zhou… are you a Beast Tamer?”
Given Zhou Ming’s decisiveness, the manager hesitated but chose to ask. He didn’t want any trouble later due to misarranged training.
“Yes.”
Zhou Ming nodded slightly in confirmation.
He had no reason to hide his identity anymore. With Inkband by his side, he didn’t need to worry about exposure. Besides, if his Beast Tamer status could make things easier, he didn’t mind using it.
“Please wait a moment.”
Upon hearing his confirmation, Manager He politely excused himself.
A short while later, he returned with a middle-aged man wearing a sleeveless vest.
The man’s body was lean but muscular, his build streamlined and full of restrained power that looked ready to explode at any moment.
“Mr. Zhou, this is Liu Shihu, the chief disciple of our master. He’ll personally receive you.”
“Nice to meet you, Mr. Zhou.”
Seeing the young Zhou Ming, Liu Shihu approached warmly and extended his hand.
“Nice to meet you.”
Zhou Ming preferred things simple and direct, but since the other party was being formal, he politely stood up and shook his hand.
After Manager He left, Liu Shihu began to speak.
“I’m a martial artist. I just heard Manager He’s introduction, and you seem like a straightforward man, Mr. Zhou, so I’ll get right to the point—one million Alliance Coins.”
“I’ll personally instruct you. Aside from what regular disciples learn, I’ll also teach you some secret techniques. The required medicinal ingredients will also be covered by our hall. You know, those are quite expensive.”
Once the manager had gone, Liu Shihu stated the tuition fee directly, adding a brief explanation to avoid misunderstanding.
“If I’m sincere about learning and put in the effort, what level could my strength reach?”
Zhou Ming’s tone made it clear that the price wasn’t an issue—he was merely testing whether the man would speak honestly.
“Hmm…”
After a pause, Liu Shihu decided to speak truthfully. Though their martial hall wasn’t afraid of an Apprentice-level Beast Tamer, it was still better not to cause unnecessary trouble.
“In a short time, you’ll easily surpass ordinary people. But if you want a true breakthrough, it’ll require long-term effort. If you persist, you’ll be able to handle regular mutated beasts on your own.”
“Alright. Where do I pay?”
“Haha, straightforward indeed.”
Liu Shihu grinned broadly. He loved dealing with people like Zhou Ming.
Calling out to Manager He, he began processing the paperwork and explained a few details.
When Zhou Ming stepped out of Mad Python Martial Hall, he had officially become a disciple of the hall.