Chapter 902: Wei Zhengxiong

Wang Chen’s understanding of the Cangqing realm primarily stems from Ling Zhiyuan’s memories.

However, Ling Zhiyuan hailed from a powerful family and was excessively sheltered by his father, leading a reclusive life within the mansion. He had scant knowledge of the outside world, the court, or the martial realm.

Thus, he was oblivious to the fact that joining the Blood Guard was no simple feat!

Like most violent organizations, the Blood Guard needed to continuously recruit new members to sustain its power structure.

But due to the Blood Guard’s unique nature, there were stringent requirements for recruitment.

Firstly, the candidate must come from a respectable family with a clean background; at the very least, they should hail from a humble family, as commoners and lowborn individuals without exceptional talents could not hope to enter this circle.

As for individuals of unknown origins, no matter how gifted, they would also be rejected.

Ling Zhiyuan fully met these criteria. The Anyang Ling family in Jingnan, while not a noble clan, was still considered a local family, and his identity was clear and easily verifiable.

Secondly, those with mediocre qualifications and weak willpower also stood no chance of becoming members of the Blood Guard.

The Blood Guard bore significant responsibilities, often facing extremely brutal enemies. Without sufficient strength and determination, how could one hope to fulfill their duties?

Previously, when Zhang Weiran guided Wang Chen and bestowed upon him a precious recommendation token, it was not out of high regard for Wang Chen but rather due to some past connection with Ling Hongyun. It was a means to settle old ties.

As for whether Wang Chen could seize the opportunity, Zhang Weiran would not concern himself—he was merely a Xiaoqi after all.

But Zhang Weiran never anticipated that Wang Chen would encounter Wei Zhengxiong in front of the Da Wei Yamen!

Wei Zhengxiong was the superior of Zhang Weiran’s superior. Although there was a layer of separation, this Lord Baihu held a favorable impression of Zhang Weiran. Upon learning of Wang Chen’s intentions, he felt a genuine appreciation for talent.

What Wang Chen did not realize was that his attractiveness level played a significant role in this situation!

It wasn’t that Wei Zhengxiong had any peculiar preferences; he simply believed that Wang Chen could serve as the face of the Blood Guard, which would bring honor when presenting him to superiors in the future.

This tendency is particularly evident in Confucian culture: among scholars, handsome men invariably win the favor of higher officials over their less attractive counterparts.

There is a tale of a scholar who excelled in the imperial examination and later became the top scholar. However, during the court’s review, the emperor found the scholar’s appearance unappealing and deemed him unfit for the title, thus stripping him of his rank.

The scholar, unable to endure the humiliation, tragically took his own life on the spot!

Though this is merely a folk tale, it underscores the importance of attractiveness.

Wang Chen, or rather Ling Zhiyuan, possessed an exceptionally high level of attractiveness. Coupled with his promotion to third-grade at such a young age, Wei Zhengxiong directly brought him to his home.

Such treatment was something even relatives might not receive.

Of course, joining the Blood Guard was a significant matter. Although Wei Zhengxiong was Lord Baihu, he dared not guarantee that a mediocre individual could enter the organization.

That would only bring harm to both parties.

Thus, he needed to personally assess whether Wang Chen’s strength truly reached the martial master level!

This Blood Guard Lord Baihu stood at the center of the front courtyard, his expression grave and solemn, exuding an aura of profound strength.

“I apologize for the intrusion…”

Wang Chen understood that this was a test, and he immediately cupped his fists and bowed, saying, “Please guide me, sir!”

As soon as his voice fell, he suddenly stepped forward. His form resembled a drawn bow as his right arm thrust forward, delivering a punch toward Wei Zhengxiong.

In this punch, Wang Chen concentrated the bloodshed wheel power threefold. Though he did not unleash it to its fullest extent, the immense fist power surged like raging waves, heavily striking toward Wei Zhengxiong’s chest.

“Good!”

Wei Zhengxiong’s eyes lit up instantly.

As the esteemed Baihu of the Blood Guard, his strength was naturally formidable, having reached the pinnacle of the fourth-level martial general realm three years ago.

The reason he had not yet broken through was that he believed his own strength was not sufficiently accumulated. Forcing a breakthrough could lead to endless troubles.

Previously, Wei Zhengxiong had considered that Wang Chen, at such a young age, had achieved the third-grade level due to the Ling family’s intensive training and the investment of substantial resources.

This was actually quite normal, as powerful families often spare no expense in nurturing their direct descendants.

However, martial artists who rise through abundant resources tend to have shaky foundations, generally weaker than those who climb through their own efforts.

But since Wang Chen was exceptionally handsome, Wei Zhengxiong thought that as long as he performed adequately, he would guarantee Wang Chen’s eligibility for the Blood Guard.

To his surprise, Wang Chen gave him a great shock.

Wang Chen’s punch, although seemingly simple, carried immense power and impressive momentum; his martial arts had truly reached a basic level that took many years of hard work to hone.

At Wang Chen’s age, one could only say his talent was astonishing!

Smack!

Wei Zhengxiong raised his palm to receive Wang Chen’s punch.

This Baihu remained completely still, while Wang Chen took a half-step back, his expression suddenly changing.

He was affected by the rebound force impacting his Qi and blood.

“Ah!”

A surprised exclamation reached both of their ears.

Under the eaves, a graceful figure quickly ducked behind a pillar and then darted into the room like a frightened rabbit.

But no matter how fast she moved, she could not escape the gazes of Wei Zhengxiong and Wang Chen!

This peeper watching their spar was none other than Wei Zhengxiong’s eldest daughter, Wei Cailian!

Wei Cailian was about the same age as Wang Chen, blossoming at an age of youthful charm and grace, perfectly embodying the springtime of her girlhood. She had remembered Wang Chen from their encounter yesterday.

Wei Zhengxiong chuckled to himself, withdrawing his hand and saying, “That’s enough.”

Wang Chen’s punch was already enough to demonstrate his strength; there was no need to continue, especially with his daughter spying nearby.

If it had been someone else, this Baihu would have undoubtedly scolded them and advised his wife to discipline their daughter properly.

How could a noble young lady behave so casually!

But regarding Wang Chen’s situation…

Forget it!

The more Wei Zhengxiong looked at Wang Chen, the more satisfied he became, folding his hands behind his back, he said, “Zhiyuan, I know all about your family matters. Normally, I should speak up for you, but as the Baihu of the Blood Guard, I cannot easily intervene in the affairs of local families.”

Wang Chen replied in a deep voice, “Sir, the vengeance for my father’s death cannot be shared with anyone; it must be avenged by me alone to comfort my father’s spirit!”

“Very well!”

Wei Zhengxiong’s gaze toward Wang Chen took on an additional hint of admiration.

In truth, with his identity and power, helping Wang Chen reclaim the Ling family would not be difficult.

However, since they were not related, Wei Zhengxiong did not believe that doing so would benefit Wang Chen’s growth.

The attitude Wang Chen exhibited was exactly what he had hoped for.

Relying on others can lead to disaster; true reliability comes from within!

Wei Zhengxiong wished for Wang Chen to depend entirely on his own strength to return to Anyang City and take back everything.

By then, he would be a real man!

“Rest assured, while I may not be able to help you, anyone who wishes to target you must first ask me for permission!”