Chapter 258 - 6: New Sponsorship and Martial Skill (Part 2)

The assistant was a young woman who smiled the entire time. Although she spoke quickly, her enunciation was clear.

Lu Chao nodded, taking note of her words, and thanked her.

Although this sponsorship was thanks to a favor from Elder Mr. Luo, in essence, it was still a mutually beneficial exchange.

If the Hunter Guild ran into trouble in the future and asked for his help, he would need to provide assistance, as long as it didn’t violate the Superpower Bureau’s regulations.

This was the real reason many major powers invested in talented individuals and sponsored fighters—no one could guarantee they would always have an easy time.

He agreed to the condition without any hesitation.

Increasing his strength was his top priority, and an extra share of high-level resources each month would be enough to help him break through to the Superpower Level and reach an even higher tier much faster.

"By the way, Mr. Lu, do you know if Elder Mr. Luo will be coming to Red Maple Shelter City?"

The assistant asked, seemingly in passing. Lu Chao shook his head.

"Sorry, I’m not sure either."

He could tell from their earlier conversation that Manager You was quite close with Elder Mr. Luo. She had already asked several times about his current situation.

"However, if he does come to Red Maple, I’ll be sure to let him know Manager You wishes to see him."

Lu Chao smiled faintly.

’Since Elder Mr. Luo was willing to let me use this favor, it must mean this person holds a significant place in his heart.’

At once, the assistant smiled, satisfied, and nodded repeatedly.

As the two of them walked down the stairs, Lu Chao glanced at the main hall.

A holographic screen floated in the center of the open area, displaying wilderness missions posted by major corporations and individual clients.

These missions ranged from hunting Mutant Beasts and bringing back specific materials from their bodies to exploring the wilderness in search of special herbs and ores.

Each line represented a separate mission, clearly marked with its monetary reward.

On either side of the screen, people came and went. Numerous Wilderness Hunters entered the hall, most of them clad in specialized combat gear.

Though they looked travel-worn, they exuded a fierce, intimidating aura that warned others not to underestimate them.

Special materials from Advanced Mutant Beasts were on display everywhere, along with precious ores, high-level medicinal herbs, and more.

[Advanced Mutant Beast Life Essence—Iron Armor Ox], [Cyan Jade Grass...], [Vermilion Fruit...], [high-level mineral elements...]

His intuitive sense had already activated, constantly displaying information and filling Lu Chao with an impulse to devour everything he saw.

Forcibly suppressing this desire, an idea surfaced in his mind.

’Crafting mid- to senior-level potions requires the Life Essence of Advanced Mutant Beasts, as well as various precious herbs and mineral elements. The latter two are sometimes in short supply and difficult to purchase.’

’If I could post requests for materials here, wouldn’t that open up another channel, and possibly a cheaper one at that?’

’Furthermore, could I also sell some of the non-nutritive potions I create while practicing? I might be able to get a better price for them here.’

He asked the assistant about it. She seemed slightly surprised, but then readily agreed.

"I didn’t realize you were also an Alchemist, Mr. Lu. Of course, that’s no problem. If you need anything, feel free to contact me anytime."

"As for the price of materials, out of respect for our relationship with Elder Mr. Luo, we can give you a ten to twenty percent discount. And if you have any potions you need to sell, we’ll be sure to give you a satisfactory offer."

"Then I’ll have to trouble you." Lu Chao nodded and thanked her with a smile.

Once everything there was settled, he walked out onto the street, hailed a taxi, and headed to his next destination.

...

「Storm Club」

One of the two most famous clubs in Red Maple Shelter City.

It was formed by the merger of three martial arts halls and was presided over by three Super Martial Artists. Its members frequently participated in various inter-city tournaments and served as security consultants for multiple corporations.

The sprawling, three-story facility was a grayish-blue color.

From the outside, one could see layers of floor-to-ceiling windows.

The first-floor hall was divided into different training and practice areas. The former was mostly for regular members and was filled with common equipment like barbells, kettlebells, and bench press machines.

The latter area was the club’s core—the training grounds for its true martial arts disciples.

There were fighting rings, hardwood and iron training posts, iron balls weighing hundreds of kilograms, and punching bags made from the hides of Mutant Beasts.

The floor, paved with special materials, was exceptionally sturdy and colored a matte black. The incandescent lights within the hall blended with the sunlight from outside, illuminating every corner.

Looking closely, one could see at least a hundred disciples training, their shouts echoing through the hall from time to time.

At least half of them were at the Fighting Level, their auras stable and their presence formidable.

"So this is what a major club is like..."

After stating his purpose for being there, Lu Chao was led to a reception area in the main hall. He sat on a sofa, and someone brought him a cup of hot tea.

His eyes scanned the facility.

The disciples sparring in the rings were highly skilled, with quite a few at the professional level.

On the second floor were dozens of private meditation rooms. Figures occasionally entered or exited, looking as if they had just finished training.

The scene was a world away from the Jinshi Boxing Hall. It was truly a grand sight.

In fact, he’d almost been unable to find the place. The address didn’t match the one in the letter, which stated that Elder Mr. Luo’s old acquaintance was the master of the Hurricane Martial Arts Hall.

It was only after asking around that he learned the hall had merged with the club, becoming its "Hurricane" branch.

At this thought, Lu Chao glanced at the uniforms of the training disciples.

They mostly wore three different colors of Martial Arts uniforms: one with a white cloud pattern, another with a silver wind-shaped design, and a third embroidered with a blue wave pattern.