Chapter 119: Martial Artist Realms

Upon reaching the third realm—the realm of the mind—a martial artist can use their inner energy to enhance their sensory organs, greatly sharpening their perception. More specifically, their sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch become as keen as a machine’s, and some with exceptional talent can even significantly amplify their sixth sense.

The final realm, known as the celestial realm, allows one to project inner energy outward to harm opponents from a distance. Additionally, one can transform inner energy into a thin protective film that envelops the body, vastly boosting defense.

This technique of forming a protective film of inner energy around the body is called Inner Energy Bodyguard.

In other words, mastering both the outward projection of inner energy and the Inner Energy Bodyguard signifies reaching the ultimate martial artist’s realm.

Iron Tower looked at Jiang Hao with deep reverence and said, “I have reached the third realm, which explains my formidable martial prowess. Yet, I am no match for you. When we fought earlier, my final strike—the Tortoise Fist—struck your body, but I clearly felt my strength was blocked by the inner energy on your skin. That must be the Inner Energy Bodyguard, right?”

“Mr. Jiang, have you reached the highest martial realm—the celestial realm?”

Jiang Hao was somewhat bewildered.

So he had become that powerful? Already attained the highest realm of martial artists?

After a brief pause, he composed himself and replied humbly, “It should be the celestial realm, based on your description. But since I’ve always trained alone, you’re actually the first martial artist I’ve ever sparred with, so I’m not very clear about these classifications.”

Hearing this, Iron Tower’s respect for him grew even stronger.

Some martial artists, once they gain some strength, bully others using their power.

But Jiang Hao never used his martial skill to harm others, and at this moment, his humility was truly a rare virtue.

“Mr. Jiang, you embody the spirit of a true martial master!”

Iron Tower clasped his fists respectfully.

Jiang Hao chuckled softly, never expecting such reverence or to be called a martial master.

“What master? I’m just an ordinary nobody,” he said calmly, gazing up at the pitch-black night sky.

“Well, it’s late. You should head back soon. I need to rest early as well.”

With that, Jiang Hao stood up.

Iron Tower hurried to his feet too, and as Jiang Hao’s figure receded, he called out respectfully, “Mr. Jiang, if there’s a chance, can we train together again in the future?”

“Of course.”

Jiang Hao answered without looking back.

A broad smile spread across Iron Tower’s face.

***

They had arrived at Qingli Health and Nutrition Shop.

But when Jiang Hao reached the entrance, he found the front hall brightly lit.

He hadn’t turned on the lights when he left, so this meant Su Qingli had awakened.

Sure enough, as soon as Jiang Hao pushed open the door and entered the hall, Su Qingli frowned and asked, “Why aren’t you asleep at this late hour? Where did you go?”

Noticing the enormous suitcase Jiang Hao was carrying, she asked again, “What’s that? You’re not planning to move your stuff here and live in my shop forever, are you?”

“No,” Jiang Hao replied with a wry smile, then recounted in full how he had gone to cause a scene at Zhao Tianlong’s Tianlong Grand Hotel.

“I didn’t want to tell you at first—I was afraid you’d worry—but you found out anyway,” Jiang Hao said, laughing and crying at the same time.

Su Qingli was both shocked and delighted, yet deeply worried.

She knew Jiang Hao had acted to defend her honor by confronting the Tianlong Grand Hotel.

If it weren’t for her, why would he expend so much effort to go there?

“You... you mustn’t do this again. What if you can’t beat them? If something like this happens again, you have to discuss it with me first. I’m scared you’ll get hurt,” she said earnestly.

Those words, “I’m scared you’ll get hurt,” warmed Jiang Hao’s heart.

Though the trouble at Zhao Tianlong’s hotel had exhausted him, tonight’s efforts suddenly felt entirely worthwhile.

“Don’t worry. If anything like this happens again, I’ll discuss it with you first.”

He stood up and opened the massive suitcase.

Seeing the suitcase filled with cash, Su Qingli’s eyes widened in disbelief.

“So much money... how much is this?”

Though she was the heiress of the Su family and had managed over twenty million in funds before, seeing twenty million in cash spread out before her was a first.

“In total, twenty million. This is the compensation Zhao Tianlong paid you,” Jiang Hao smiled.

“Compensation for me?” Su Qingli looked at him incredulously.

“Yes. I beat him up until he submitted. Then he said he would pay you this money as compensation and promised never to trouble you again.”

Upon hearing this, Su Qingli immediately understood.

It was Jiang Hao’s strength that had intimidated Zhao Tianlong into paying such a sum. Otherwise, why would a leader of hundreds of gang members hand over twenty million just like that?

Without hesitation, Su Qingli shook her head, refusing, “This money belongs to him, not me. I don’t want it.”

“Whose money? We’re married. My money is your money,” Jiang Hao said earnestly.

But Su Qingli still shook her head.

Jiang Hao sighed. “Qingli, don’t be so distant. I went to cause trouble tonight for you. If you don’t take this money, then my efforts were for nothing. Besides, I’m not short on cash—I still have over a hundred million in the bank.”

Su Qingli was stunned once more.

After a long pause, she said, “I just can’t accept it. If I take your money, what if you bully me later? Then what am I supposed to do? I’d have no grounds to argue.”

So that was her worry.

Indeed, as the saying goes, “Once you accept favors, you lose your leverage.”

Su Qingli feared that accepting Jiang Hao’s money would leave her powerless if they ever quarreled.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Hao said, “So you think I’m that kind of person? Fine, if you won’t take it, I’ll return it to Zhao Tianlong.”

With that, Jiang Hao picked up the suitcase and headed for the door.

Su Qingli quickly stood and blocked his way.

“You brought it back, how can you just give it back? Deposit it in your account. If I ever need money, I’ll just ask you to lend it to me.”