At this time, it should be noted that Yangzhou, located downstream on the Yangtze River, could directly access the sea, Japan, Ryukyu, and various regions of the South Seas. It had become one of the most important transit hubs for foreign trade in the entire country, busier and more hectic than any other city—not to mention that the ships there could carry loads of up to a hundred tons!

If a hall were established here, the profits would be considerable!

After thinking it over, there were perhaps only two reasons. First, Yangzhou is situated in the lower reaches of the Yangtze, near Huai and by the river, with convenient transportation and growing military and economic importance. During the Three Kingdoms period, it became a fiercely contested area between Wei and Wu. In the Eastern Jin and Southern Dynasties, Yangzhou served as the “imperial domain,” making it a key focus of court supervision, so underworld forces found it hard to grow unchecked.

Second, the place already had its own powers. Martial arts schools and dojos were essentially another form of underworld force. The more than ten martial arts schools and dojos in the city already controlled all the local gangs. Moreover, the top expert in Yangzhou, the “Mountain-Pushing Hand” Shi Long, presided over the Stephen Stone Martial Arena. He was a first-class master with many disciples. Even the gang leader Adam Young found it hard to take him down, so the Zhuhua Gang naturally found it difficult to gain a foothold.

From the start, I became deputy incense master—first, because the gang leader valued old ties, and second, to make use of local Yangzhou forces and slowly establish a foothold in the city!

A hall has over a thousand members, a rudder over three hundred, but an incense branch only a few dozen or a hundred. It seems the gang is somewhat cautious, not daring to make a big move right away. If I succeed, all the better; if not, they only lose an insignificant pawn. Understanding this, Grace Bolton couldn’t help but let out a laugh.

Just as he was getting drowsy, he heard a noise outside. Grace Bolton quickly got up—it was Mr. Foster.

“What’s this, sobered up a bit? I saw you only drank wine and didn’t eat anything, so I brought some food to fill your stomach. Come, let’s have a talk, just the two of us.”

“How could I let Father bring the dishes himself?” Grace Bolton hurried to greet him, set a small table over the fire pit, and quickly served the dishes. There was a braised white fish, a plate of peanuts, a dish of sliced meat, a small bottle of wine, and two small cups.

Touching the food and wine, he found they were all warm. Grace Bolton was moved by his father’s thoughtfulness, feeling a warmth in his heart. He invited Mr. Foster to sit by the fire, covered his legs with a thin quilt, and poured him a cup. The two of them drank together—fortunately, it was rice wine, sweet and mild.

The two drank, ate, and chatted idly. After a few cups, Mr. Foster spoke seriously: “The gang leader appointing you as deputy incense master was unexpected for me. I thought you’d train for a few more years first. Suddenly being put in this position, you’re still a bit too young.”

“Yes, I feel it was too rushed as well. If I had three more years, receiving your guidance day and night, not to mention deputy incense master, even deputy rudder master would be within reach. But now, I know nothing, and suddenly I’m deputy incense master. It seems there isn’t even a chief incense master. I feel lost!” Grace Bolton said softly, his expression extremely humble and troubled. “When I received the appointment, I was stunned, but I couldn’t refuse the orders of the gang leader and hall master. Their intentions are hard to fathom. If I mess up their plans, it would be bad.”

During the first half, Mr. Foster nodded repeatedly, but at the latter part, he was taken aback and then fell into thought, as if he had realized something.

“I know my own abilities and reputation are shallow, not enough to be incense master. But I think, in this vast city of Yangzhou, in this huge gang hall, how could there be no one? As long as I listen to the gang leader, the hall master, and you, Father, and just do my own job well, even if I have to risk myself, that’s enough. What do you think, Father?” Grace Bolton said.

“Mm, very well said, very well said.” Mr. Foster was subtly reminded and came to his senses.

Although he wasn’t well-read and his martial arts weren’t great, he had been around for decades. He might not know the big picture in Yangzhou, but he understood the local situation. With this hint, he vaguely understood the gang’s intentions.

“So, what exactly do you plan to do?”

“Although the hall hasn’t sent anyone yet, I’m sure the gang and the hall have their own arrangements and intentions. Since I’m young, I’ll first set up the incense branch. Some young lads have a lot of potential—I can recruit them and just take control of one street for now.” Grace Bolton said slowly.

“With you being so cautious, I’m relieved. Ah, after a bit of wine, I’ll go get some sleep.” Mr. Foster nodded and said, “Oh, this is a sword manual sent by the gang leader. Back in the day, he built his foundation with his blade, one man at a time. You should study it well.”

“Yes, I understand, Father. Let me see you out.”

After seeing Mr. Foster out, he came back to his senses and took out the sword manual to study it.

Back then, Adam Young was just a collateral member of a small family, but he had great ambition from a young age. By chance, he learned some true martial arts skills, and through dedicated study, he managed to develop quite a reputation.

At sixteen, Adam Young started from scratch, and in just over twenty years, he built a group of ten thousand. His talent was extraordinary, and the sword techniques he created were all practical for real combat.