Chapter Twenty-Seven: The White Bear

“Strange!”

After trying several times, Hu San discovered that as long as he gathered all his inner energy into the Middle Chest Acupoint, he became an ordinary person; but when he released the energy, he reverted to a martial artist. There was no energy loss in the process, nor was there any increase.

It was as if, without realizing it, his Middle Chest Acupoint had become a separate space.

“Could this be the fundamental reason I’ve suddenly developed such a large appetite? Or perhaps, this is the place where food is transformed into warm currents?”

Puzzled, Hu San jumped down from the tree and set out toward the mountain stronghold.

Though he didn’t much care about the fate of Wolfheart Stronghold, this matter concerned his own safety, so he had no choice but to warn them.

Of course, he also intended to fetch a proper blade; in the final clash that day, he had clearly seen his sword was riddled with cracks—one more strike and it would shatter. That was one reason he hadn’t bothered to retrieve it before fleeing.

In the main hall of the stronghold, the Third Chief sat high above. Beside him, slightly lower, were two commanders’ seats. Below was the grand hall, where Captain Zhou Xing stood at the forefront.

At the center, Hu San and Zhao Feng stood together. Hu San had already given a rough account of the information he’d obtained. Zhao Feng, meanwhile, was responsible for delivering messages—after all, Hu San was not yet an official bandit.

“You say that man in white carried an iron ruler, and that a floating white bear was inscribed upon it? Are you certain you saw clearly?”

After a moment’s silence, the Third Chief was the first to speak.

“Yes, that man’s cultivation was profound—clearly a martial artist. I was no match for him and nearly lost my life. His subordinates were all elite, no less skilled than the core of our Wolfheart Mountain.”

Hu San’s firm reply erased the last trace of luck in the Third Chief’s heart.

Exchanging a glance with the two commanders, the Third Chief said gravely, “It seems there’s no doubt—it’s White Bear of Black Bear Stronghold. It’s said he’s already reached the second level of inner energy, a strength no ordinary person can resist. With a handful of elite followers, this visit from Black Bear Stronghold is surely no friendly call.”

“Indeed.”

The scar-faced commander nodded, his gaze circling Hu San with an odd look. “For Hu San to escape unscathed from this man and report back with intelligence—he truly deserves his reputation as the top of our training camp. This is no small feat; he should be rewarded.”

“Agreed,” the Third Chief said, his eyes flickering. If what Hu San said was true, he’d have to reevaluate the man’s abilities—not everyone could escape from the hands of a martial artist, let alone in the presence of a group of elite bandits.

But now was not the time for such discussions. Pausing, the Third Chief issued orders to Zhou Xing: “White Bear is unlikely to withdraw easily. To prevent heavy losses, pass my command: all spring grass gathering teams are to withdraw immediately and not leave the stronghold lightly in the coming days.”

“Yes, I’ll see to it at once!” Zhou Xing glanced at the silent Hu San, thoughts whirling. Should he report this to the Chief? After all, an ordinary man escaping unharmed from White Bear was a noteworthy event.

But as his footsteps echoed toward the hall doors, another thought struck him, and he suppressed the urge. Hu San’s unique background and youth gave Zhou Xing deep misgivings—if the Chief learned of this, Hu San might soon take his place as a trusted aide. Knowing the Chief’s character, this fear was far from groundless.

Before qualifying for the secret training manual, Zhou Xing could not allow such a thing to occur, or he’d remain an ordinary bandit for life.

None present knew how Zhou Xing’s mind raced in just those few steps.

Once Zhou Xing had left, the Third Chief considered a moment, then instructed the two commanders: “You two must also make the effort. Black Bear Stronghold’s intentions are no small matter. Even if the spoils this time are meager, they’ll likely uncover our training camp.”

“To prevent any mishaps, from today onward, distribute real weapons to both the First and Second Divisions. Assign elite bandits to strengthen their training. After half a year’s effort, their physiques should be able to handle real combat. This is the foundation of our stronghold’s future, and must not be neglected.”

The two commanders accepted the order and withdrew. Only then did the Third Chief turn to Hu San, speaking kindly: “You are still young, yet have already achieved great merit. Both the Chief and I are aware. However, since you haven’t formally joined Wolfheart Stronghold, it would be awkward to grant you a reward just now. Why don’t you tell me if you have any requests?”

“Precise rewards will be settled once you officially join the stronghold.”

Hu San bowed in thanks. “Your thoughtfulness, Chief, humbles me. I dare not ask for anything grand, only that I might be given a fine long saber. I have no other requests.”

“That’s easily done. Someone, fetch a hundred-times-forged treasured blade from the armory!”

The Third Chief agreed readily, signaling Zhao Feng, who discreetly excused himself, leaving Hu San alone.

Pacing a few steps, the Third Chief struck up a casual conversation: “Hu San, I hear you’ve been reading some books these past months? Your speech has certainly improved. I’m pleased to see your progress.”

At this, Hu San’s heart skipped a beat. Clearly, the Third Chief had eyes everywhere in the stronghold and knew his every move. These words were likely a warning. After a moment’s thought, Hu San replied, “You flatter me, Chief. I’ve only learned a few characters—just enough to write my name. Winter is dull, so I passed the time with some reading. I’m ashamed to have troubled you over such a trifling matter.”

“Haha, the thought is what counts. It’s not about reading much or little!”

Hearing this, the Third Chief was immediately convinced. Bandits were rough men—how much could one learn in three months? Besides, strength was paramount here. The idea that Hu San used literacy to study secret manuals never crossed his mind; there was only one way to obtain the manual, and Hu San had no access to it.

He asked merely out of caution—Hu San’s rapid progress had somewhat exceeded his expectations.

At this point, the Third Chief hesitated inwardly, uncertain whether to draw Hu San into his inner circle or continue using him as a buffer for the Second Chief’s wrath.

But remembering Zhou Xing’s presence, he dismissed all such thoughts. For a talent like Hu San, the Chief likely had his own arrangements.

With that, the Third Chief’s tone grew even warmer. “Reading is good, but don’t neglect your martial pursuits. You’re still young and have great prospects. If you perform well, you may one day be taught the secret manual and become a martial artist. I have high hopes for you.”

As the Third Chief looked at him, Hu San knew he dared not show any sign of unusual behavior. Otherwise, he might not even leave the hall alive today. He dropped to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly, feigning tears of gratitude. “Thank you for your guidance, Chief. If I succeed in the future, I shall never forget your kindness.”

Seeing Hu San’s forehead redden from his bows, the Third Chief’s last doubts vanished. He reached out to stop him, smiling. “I know your heart now. Work hard, and neither the Chief nor I will treat you unjustly.”

Just then, the bandit sent to fetch a saber returned, presenting a blue long saber.

Hu San took it and excused himself.

“Damn, I almost gave myself away!” Out of the hall and back toward the rear mountain, Hu San finally breathed easy.

He gave the new blade a few casual swings, yet felt no excitement at all.

Thinking of the Third Chief’s ambiguous attitude, Hu San’s eyes narrowed as he pondered, “Could there be some story here I don’t know? The Third Chief’s behavior is truly suspicious.”

“No matter. Right now, I just need to focus on improving my inner energy. Now that I’m a martial artist, once I’m stronger, what will the Third Chief’s schemes matter?”

“But some things must be set in motion. If the Third Chief had acted today, even if I fought my way out of the hall, I’d never make it down the mountain. This won’t do. In critical moments, I must have a backup plan. As the saying goes, a crafty rabbit has three burrows—how can I have none? One must always be cautious and prepared in dangerous times.”

His mind made up, Hu San shouldered his saber and made for the training camp in the rear mountain.

Leaving Hu San aside for now, the Wolf Fang Stronghold’s spring grass gathering teams, despite receiving his intelligence and the Third Chief’s swift withdrawal orders, still had two teams vanish without a trace—neither living nor dead were found. They’d likely been wiped out by White Bear.

Upon hearing this, the Third Chief realized that the training camp’s existence could no longer be concealed. He immediately strengthened the stronghold’s defenses and increased investment in the training camp.

Not only did every man receive a long spear tipped with iron, but additional long sabers were distributed, and elite bandits led daily training, providing the best food available.

From the First to the Second Division, the training camp changed almost daily; even routine chores were suspended, and everyone trained desperately.

The training was grueling, but the results were remarkable.

In Hu San’s view, in just twenty days or so, this force had transformed from a rabble into a group with real combat power. They might not stand up in a pitched battle yet, but they now had organization and discipline, and were fully capable of conducting basic raids.

Hu San, however, did not train with the other recruits; his abilities were now far beyond theirs, making joint training pointless. The bandit instructors, recognizing this, left him alone.

Other spring grass teams might have feared White Bear and dared not venture out, but having witnessed White Bear’s power, Hu San was not especially afraid and continued to hunt alone.

After twenty days of fighting and a constant diet of meat, the wild beasts in the area around the stronghold were nearly wiped out. Correspondingly, Hu San’s inner energy reached the first level—he had fully connected ten meridians, and his energy, once as thin as a thread, was now as thick as a toothpick.

With his cultivation at this level, Hu San reckoned that, should he encounter White Bear again, he might not win, but he would certainly not be felled by a single blow as before.

Having gained this confidence, Hu San began to expand his hunting grounds, venturing farther and farther beyond the place where he’d first met White Bear, pushing toward ever more distant lands.