Ding Kan's outfit was too ostentatious. I almost didn't recognize him. A big gold chain, a big gold watch, designer clothes, and even an earring. If I didn't know this kid had real skills, I would have thought he was some rich second-generation heir.

"You're from the Celestial Master Mansion?" I asked, surprised.

"An unsalaried member of the Celestial Master Mansion. My main job is to take young masters who need to level up but don't have the ability, and help them fight monsters for experience. We handle the dangers, we chew on the tough nuts, and they take the credit." Ding Kan crossed his arms, a bright smile on his face.

"What's in it for you?" Doing all the work for others seemed utterly foolish.

"Money, a high-income industry. Tomorrow, a handsome young man will arrive, a rising star that the Celestial Master Mansion is heavily promoting. For the next two years, I have to be his disciple, accompany him to fight monsters and level up. The apprenticeship ceremony is tomorrow, so I came over early.

How about it, want to join us? Genius Boy's leveling tasks are very heavy. There are some battlefields that are too dangerous for me to handle alone, and I don't want to cooperate with my other martial brothers. It would be great if you could come. We can team up to fight monsters and definitely get the highest bonus."

Ding Kan blinked his innocent eyes, speaking with a serious expression, but I was completely dumbfounded.

I had thought that Qin Tianming was truly as wise and powerful as the legends said, with glorious achievements in battle. It turned out he relied on ghostwriters for exams and was just a pretty face. If this was the case with genius youths, what would the other disciples of those aristocratic families be like? I couldn't even imagine.

I stood there for a long time before finally sputtering out, "Your line of work must require signing a confidentiality agreement, right? Aren't you afraid they'll silence you for saying this at the entrance of the Celestial Master Mansion?"

Ding Kan snorted disdainfully, "Don't worry, they can't hear me. Besides, they still need me to help Qin Tianming level up. If they upset me, I'll just pack my bags and leave. Let him find someone else, or better yet, have his old man personally take him to level up. See if his old man can afford to lose face like that.

But, on second thought, I'm only telling you this because I consider you a friend. Don't go blabbing about it outside. Although this is an open secret within the Celestial Master Mansion, they still need to save face in front of outsiders.

Alright, no more joking around. What brings you to the Celestial Master Mansion?"

Since the young man was so honest and had told me his professional secrets, I shouldn't hide anything either. I directly told him about needing to challenge Qin Tianming.

Ding Kan cheerfully patted me on the shoulder, "Easy, I can book you an appointment. Qin Tianming definitely needs to accept a wave of challenges if he wants to gain a foothold in Huacheng. Although your reputation isn't high enough, the key is that your strength is reliable. You can accompany him to brush some high-level battlefields and create hype. I'll help you book it when I get back. Just come on time. I'll also help you get rid of those scoundrels. They definitely won't dare to bother you again."

"It's that simple?" Looking at this cheerful young man, I didn't know what to say.

"Does it need to be that complicated?" As soon as he said that, Ding Kan seemed to remember something and said, "Oh, right, if you win, you'll definitely gain both fame and fortune. But if you lose, you'll have to become Qin Tianming's disciple and become a member of our team. But don't worry, I'll find an excuse not to participate in your match. I know your capabilities. As long as I'm not there, none of those guys are your match."

I raised my eyebrows and sized up Ding Kan a few times, "What do you mean? Are you saying that my abilities are inferior to yours, so you need to avoid my challenge?"

Ding Kan smiled, "Did you have to say it so directly?"

Geez, this kid is really arrogant.

"No, you have to take on this match. No one else will do!"

We were both in our early twenties, and who didn't have a bit of pride, especially when encountering such a high-profile and flamboyant opponent. Although I usually managed a house full of evil spirits and had to put on a mature and steady appearance, the hot-bloodedness of youth would ignite with the slightest spark.

Ding Kan exaggeratedly sighed, somewhat earnestly saying, "Shopkeeper Wan, seriously, it's really not necessary."

"It is necessary, very necessary." I said each word very seriously.

"Okay, okay, whatever you say, I'll arrange it. Is that alright now?" Ding Kan waved his hand casually, making a gesture of concession.

Only then did I hum in satisfaction. I was just about to get into the car when I immediately realized something was wrong and turned back to grab Ding Kan.

"Kid, you're scheming against me, aren't you? You designed this challenge with a lot of hype, hired those scoundrels to cause trouble at my door, and then waited here early in the morning, right?"

When Ding Kan was exposed, he didn't feel embarrassed at all. He chuckled and frankly admitted, "That's right. I'm taking money to solve problems. The Qin family paid a lot of money to hire me, so I definitely have to help Young Master Qin promote and level up. I didn't know where to find a master with a small reputation but enough skill. Then I ran into you. Don't you think heaven is helping me?

But you're not at a loss either. This event will not only promote Qin Tianming, but also promote you. Whether you win or lose, you'll gain both fame and fortune from this competition. Some battles can improve your status in the martial world just by participating."

"Don't you think this kind of industry isn't very aboveboard?"

I could understand the second-generation cultivators not being able to endure hardship or lacking talent, so they hired someone to grind experience for them. But Ding Kan, a hired grinder, had eyes as bright as the stars and smiled so brightly, innocently, and frankly. He schemed against me so blatantly that I was a little surprised.

"So what? I'm making money based on my own abilities. Is that shameful? The master's talent is fake, but our abilities are real. If you don't dare to accept the challenge, just say so. I'll find someone else." In order to get me to agree, Ding Kan even used reverse psychology.

I really wasn't interested in the fame and fortune he mentioned, but I would regret it if I didn't compete with this high-profile young man. After all, these opportunities to meet a worthy opponent weren't very common.

"Alright, then help me book it. Schedule the time as late as possible."

"What? Are you afraid that you'll lose the match because you're not prepared enough?" Ding Kan still had a provocative look on his face.

I glared at him, "I just don't want to take advantage of you while you're still injured."

"Thanks for the consideration, but this also means you're destined to lose. Just wait to call me Senior Brother!"

Ding Kan flipped his hair and went into the Celestial Master Mansion in a high-profile manner.

The burly man who had been arrogant earlier quickly nodded and bowed when he saw him, calling him Young Master Kan every other word.

I shook my head, not knowing what to say. I drove back to the shop, and Old Zhao was already standing at the door, craning his neck and waiting for me.

When he saw me coming, Old Zhao waved to the left and right. With a few bangs, firework cannons exploded around me, spraying me with colorful confetti.

I quickly grabbed Old Zhao, "Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing? I'm not getting married. Why are you spraying this stuff on me?"

Old Zhao's small eyes narrowed, "It's a little something from the old neighbors to thank you for taking care of those scoundrels. The challenge list is already online. You're scheduled for the tenth of next month. We've always known you're reliable and never let us down."