Chapter 4: Ning Tian: I've Got Money—Commission Whatever You Want (1 / 1)
After a short rest, Wu Feng challenged him again.
This time, she remembered the flaws Jiang Li had pointed out, deliberately slowed down, and focused on coordination and defense.
Seeing this, Jiang Li showed a hint of approval. While dodging, he occasionally counterattacked—his punches slicing through the air past her ear, or his foot lightly tapping her ankle, keeping her constantly alert.
They came across an open valley, and Jiang Li suggested resting there while conducting a full training session.
Wu Feng readily agreed and immediately took a fighting stance.
As soon as they stood ready, Jiang Li moved—appearing in front of her in the blink of an eye.
This time, his attacks were no longer just light taps.
His palm strikes were sharp, each aimed at vital points, yet still held back.
Under immense pressure, Wu Feng's potential was forced out. Her eyes sharpened as she twisted and maneuvered, desperately resisting Jiang Li's assault.
Her soul power surged through her body, enhancing her strikes, yet she still couldn't even touch Jiang Li's clothes. Instead, she was forced back again and again.
"Focus! Sense my movement trajectory!"
Jiang Li's voice carried a penetrating force.
"Don't rely on soul power—use your body to feel and react!"
Wu Feng clenched her teeth, clearing her mind and focusing entirely on Jiang Li's movements.
Gradually, she noticed that although his attacks were swift, they followed a certain rhythm, each preceded by subtle signs.
She began to anticipate his moves, dodging in advance, even managing to counter occasionally.
When Jiang Li's palm approached her chest again, Wu Feng suddenly sidestepped and punched precisely at his wrist.
This time, her movement was smooth and natural, without hesitation, and her soul power was perfectly controlled.
Jiang Li rotated his wrist, avoiding her punch, and smiled.
"Not bad. You've improved."
As the sun set, its glow stretched their shadows long.
Though Wu Feng's body ached, her face was full of smiles. After an afternoon of training, her close-combat skills had advanced significantly.
Watching this, Ning Tian became even more determined to keep Jiang Li by her side.
After glancing at the sky, Jiang Li said,
"It's getting late. Let's camp here for the night."
Ning Tian and Wu Feng agreed. The three quickly divided tasks.
Jiang Li efficiently chose a slightly elevated, wind-sheltered slope and set up two simple tent frames in no time.
Wu Feng used her soul power to spread the tarp and helped secure it. Her movements were noticeably more agile—clearly, the training had improved her control.
Meanwhile, Ning Tian took out moisture-proof mats, sleeping bags, and portable cookware from her storage tool, arranging everything neatly, showcasing the sect's wealth.
Soon, the camp was ready. A bonfire lit up the clearing, its flames reflecting on their faces.
Jiang Li sat by the fire, casually tossing a stone, gazing into the dark forest.
Wu Feng sipped hot soup, occasionally glancing at him, replaying the day's training in her mind.
Finally, she asked,
"Jiang Li, that move you used to deflect my punch—was it a technique for redirecting force in close combat?"
Jiang Li glanced at her with a slight smile.
"Not bad. That move is called 'Wrist Entangling Force Redirect.' Timing and control are key. When facing a strong attack, don't block head-on—follow its direction and redirect it."
He picked up a branch and demonstrated.
"When the punch comes, rotate your wrist inward, grip the pulse point, and pull along the motion. You avoid the attack and disrupt their balance."
Wu Feng listened intently, grabbed branches, and began practicing on her own.
Ning Tian watched quietly, a faint smile in her eyes.
She had never seen Wu Feng so focused.
Previously, Wu Feng trained hard but was always impatient.
Now, under Jiang Li's guidance, she had become much calmer.
Ning Tian handed Jiang Li a bowl of soup.
"Try this. It's a calming soup from the sect—it helps relieve fatigue."
Jiang Li took it, thanked her, and drank.
The warm liquid carried a faint medicinal aroma, refreshing his mind.
"Thank you, boss. This is good," he said sincerely.
Ning Tian smiled.
"If you like it, I have more. You can drink it tomorrow as well."
Jiang Li smiled.
"Then I won't stand on ceremony."
Wu Feng stopped practicing and looked up.
"Jiang Li, please continue teaching me tomorrow."
Her trust in him had far surpassed her initial disdain.
Jiang Li smiled.
"Of course. It's the boss's commission, after all."
All three laughed.
Soon, night deepened, and the fire dimmed.
They returned to their tents to rest.
—
The next morning, Jiang Li woke before dawn.
After stretching, the cold air refreshed him.
Ning Tian and Wu Feng woke soon after. After a quick wash and meal, they packed up and resumed their journey.
After yesterday's training, Wu Feng no longer just followed silently. She frequently asked Jiang Li about techniques.
Jiang Li held nothing back, using the terrain to teach her how to dodge using obstacles and find attack opportunities while moving.
Ning Tian observed quietly, occasionally adding a few words. The atmosphere became much more harmonious.
After some time, the ancient gates of Shrek City finally came into view.
The crowd grew denser—young soul masters and companions arriving to register.
Jiang Li calmly followed behind the two girls.
Soon, they reached the east gate.
Ning Tian stopped and turned to him.
"Jiang Li, the escort commission is complete. But I have a new one."
She handed him a black card.
"The freshman assessment in three months is very strict. I want you to stay and continue teaching Wu Feng close combat."
"The payment will be doubled, and the sect will prepare a house for you in Shrek City."
Wu Feng quickly added,
"Yeah, Jiang Li! I still have so much to learn!"
Jiang Li looked at their expectant expressions, then at the bustling city.
He sighed.
"Boss, my time is valuable. In three months, I could earn much more money."
Hearing this, Ning Tian and Wu Feng felt their hearts tighten.
But before they could react, Jiang Li suddenly smiled.
"However… if the boss is willing to pay more, I might consider it."