Urban Most Awesome Dad - Chapter 410
Chapter 410: Chapter 410: Chief Steward Takes Action_1
Xu Fan had an air of confidence that left Qian Zongsheng somewhat astonished. Was he so certain that the Flame Dragon Organization would support him unreservedly in his endeavors?
After all, Xu Fan had only just joined the organization, with no seniority or merits to his name. To the organization, his contribution was essentially nonexistent.
He couldn’t fathom where Xu Fan’s confidence stemmed from, daring to be sure that the organization would shield him from immense pressure from the Ancient Martial World. So he reminded, “Protector Xu, the Flame Dragon Organization is not a charity or a relief organization.”
Xu Fan waved his hand dismissively, “You worry too much, Minister Qian. I am willing to pay a price.”
“Oh? May I ask what you mean by that?”
Qian Zongsheng doubted that the so-called price Xu Fan was willing to pay would be enough to garner the Flame Dragon Organization’s support. After all, Xu Fan was just a young man in his early twenties who presumably didn’t have anything of value to offer.
Yet the organization had accumulated thousands of years of heritage on this vast land, possessing ancient martial inheritances from generations past. It was the state’s most prized secret department, backed by strong national support, and hardly in need of any exotic treasures or money.
Understanding Qian Zongsheng’s doubts, Xu Fan was candid: “I once stumbled upon a tomb that might belong to some great ancient figure. By chance, I acquired some profound and powerful martial arts techniques. I plan to offer them to the organization, which should be enough for them to take the initiative on my behalf.”
Realization dawned upon Qian Zongsheng. So, this fellow was so formidable because of this extraordinary encounter.
But shouldn’t these be the very foundation and most relied upon abilities for Xu Fan in the Ancient Martial World? Was he truly willing to give them up for nothing?
Any ordinary martial artist would rather become an enemy to the world than let others learn their cultivation techniques and martial skills.
Could it be that he was merely using the name of the ancient tomb to offer some ordinary martial arts techniques?
Unable to help himself, he asked, “Not to be disrespectful, but the Flame Dragon Organization already has its share of profound and powerful martial arts techniques, and isn’t interested in ordinary ones.”
Xu Fan shook his head but offered no explanation, only asking, “How about the power of that sword strike that split Huang Yechun in two? Minister Qian, does that interest you?”
The image flashed through Qian Zongsheng’s mind, and he found himself momentarily breathless, deep in thought, “That sword strike must be at least a Seventh Stage technique.”
“Seventh Stage? Martial arts techniques are ranked?” Xu Fan was slightly taken aback, hearing about this for the first time.
Qian Zongsheng found it strange that despite Xu Fan’s formidable strength, he lacked such fundamental knowledge. Did he have no proper lineage?
Despite his curiosity, Qian Zongsheng didn’t pry further and began to explain in detail.
Martial arts techniques are divided into three classes each with nine stages: the lower class covers First to Third Stage, the medium class from Fourth to Sixth Stage, and the superior class spans Seventh to Ninth Stage.
In the entire Ancient Martial World, superior martial skills are extremely rare, and even medium-class skills aren’t commonly seen. As a result, most ancient martial artists possess only lower-class skills.
Consequently, even a Fourth Stage skill can fetch an exorbitant price, making numerous great families desperate to acquire it.
Although Qian Zongsheng was renowned and powerful, he had mastered only a Sixth Stage martial arts technique.
To acquire a superior martial skill, one must join one of the top forces in the Ancient Martial World.
Even an organization like the Flame Dragon, with thousands of years of rich heritage, only had three superior martial arts techniques in its collection: two Seventh Stage and one that is possibly Ninth Stage, practiced by the chief of the Flame Dragon Organization.
As for that Sword Control Finger technique Xu Fan used to kill the Martial King, it was the first time Qian Zongsheng had seen it. Judging by its power, it must also be at least a superior martial skill.
“I have learned a lot,” said Xu Fan after hearing the explanation, now more assured of the quality of his martial arts techniques. “There won’t be any issues then. The six martial skills I am handing over are all superior, including even an Eighth Stage skill, which encompasses that Sword Control Finger technique I used.”
“Is… Is that really true?” Qian Zongsheng couldn’t help but start breathing rapidly, even drawing the attention of those behind him.
With his discipline, he was usually adept at keeping his emotions concealed, never revealing any weaknesses, but now he couldn’t contain his astonishment.
Six superior martial skills!
Six, you say? Do you grasp the magnitude of that?
It’s twice the core martial arts inheritance of the Flame Dragon Organization accumulated over thousands of years.
In brief: twice over thousands of years.
And to think he could simply procure them—provided he actually had them, of course.
Qian Zongsheng felt his brain short-circuit, instinct telling him that if Xu Fan’s offer materialized, the Flame Dragon Organization’s strength would increase dramatically within just a few years.
His thoughts inevitably turned to the Black Blade Organization.
And he couldn’t deny it.
After all, their ways were unorthodox, all capable of performing Evil Spirit Possession, and the spirits they utilised were even more advanced and powerful than the one inside Huang Yechun. Or to put it another way, the true nature of Evil Spirit Possession was a superior martial skill. Huang Yechun’s evil spirit was merely a pseudo Seventh Stage, while more advanced spirits were Eighth Stage, or even Ninth Stage techniques.
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Therefore, the Flame Dragon Organization has always won by the number of people, fighting with fewer against more, only then could they battle on par with the same-level strong warriors of the Black Blade Organization.
If Xu Fan could really contribute the Six Superior Martial Skills, the situation would greatly change, and might even turn the tide.
If the top warriors of the Flame Dragon Organization each had a set of Superior Martial Skills, even if the number of powerful fighters was equal, it would still mean that the Flame Dragon Organization had seized the initiative to victory.
After all, the diversity of martial arts techniques allowed for various changes, necessitating the development of many countermeasures; in the haste, the opponent would become anxious and flustered, easily making mistakes.
And this, isn’t it an opening?
Qian Zongsheng’s thoughts drifted further and further, as he seemed to see the scene where the Black Blade Organization was under the strong suppression of the Flame Dragon Organization, even ultimately facing inevitable extinction one day.
And this, is also the mission of every generation of the Flame Dragon Organization.
To fulfill this long-cherished wish, is an immensely good deed that brings honor to the current generation and benefits to posterity as well as comforts the spirits of the ancestors.
Qian Zongsheng was lost in thought for a full half-minute before he excitedly confirmed again, “Protector Xu, is this… really true?”
He was somewhat incoherent.
Xu Fan nodded with a smile, “It couldn’t be truer. Of course, after I unconditionally turn over the martial arts techniques, this matter will be completely wrapped up, and no one shall trouble me over this again.”
“This… Protector Xu, I have limited influence, I cannot represent the organization to negotiate.”
Qian Zongsheng’s expression stiffened slightly, not daring to make a rash promise, and could only say, “I will immediately contact the top brass for a decision.”
“Alright.” If Qian Zongsheng had agreed, Xu Fan would have found it strange instead.
“Wait a moment!”
Qian Zongsheng turned and left the room, coming out to the hallway and pulling out his phone, without glancing at anyone as he passed.
The management hierarchy of the Flame Dragon Organization from bottom to top included Executors, Protectors, Chief Stewards, and Elders.
Qian Zongsheng was contacting a Chief Steward, whose cultivation naturally reached the Martial King level, and only at this level could one be considered part of the Flame Dragon Organization’s top combat power.
The Chief Steward named Li Fuqiang had more interactions with Qian Zongsheng and was the one who approved Xu Fan’s application to join the organization.
As soon as the call connected, Qian Zongsheng briefly recounted what had happened at the Jun Tian Grand Hotel.
Upon hearing this, Li Fuqiang was alarmed; Xu Fan had caused such a big problem and immediately ordered, “Xu Fan has gone too far, the situation is difficult to resolve, you must immediately bring him back to headquarters, as much for punishment as for protection, understand?”
Knowing Li Fuqiang’s swift and fiery temper, Qian Zongsheng, having a heavier tone, hurriedly explained, “Chief Steward Li, Protector Xu has indeed done as you said, but on this matter, he rather resembles you.”
Afterward, Qian Zongsheng carefully explained the whole story.
After listening to the explanation, Li Fuqiang fell silent for a while. If placed in his shoes, he probably couldn’t have endured it either and would have had to confront Xu Qiyin.
Taking public action, there was probably also the consideration to intimidate the riffraff.
Of course now, at his position, he must not let personal feelings interfere with official affairs, so even if he could relate, he still decided to have Xu Fan brought back to headquarters.
Eventually, he sighed, “I will do my best to help him, to reduce the punishment against him.”
Qian Zongsheng was startled, not expecting Li Fuqiang to be so humane, offering help so readily.
“Actually, Xu Fan already has a way to deal with this issue.”
He then reported Xu Fan’s terms.
On the other end of the phone, Li Fuqiang remained silent for a long time, his thoughts wandering, various ideas surfacing.
Finally, he made a decision, “Little Qian, stay with Xu Fan for now, and try your best to prevent the situation from worsening. I will book a flight right now and arrive in Zhonghai tonight, to discuss the details with Xu Fan in person,” Li Fuqiang said decisively.
“Alright.”
After the call ended, Qian Zongsheng breathed a sigh of relief; with a big shot stepping in, he felt much lighter.
Even though Li Fuqiang had not explicitly stated his stance, it was clear that he was moved.
Obtaining the support of a Chief Steward would undoubtedly make Xu Fan’s situation much better.
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