A wealthy young master.
A descendant of either an Immortal lineage or a high-ranking imperial official.
What could such an existence possibly lack?
With a single word, Cuby Leo could have his clan establish a private dojo.
He could easily hire grandmaster blacksmiths to forge customized weights to build his foundation.
So why?
Zani thought, his mind racing as he retrieved the registry book.
Why has he come to my gym?
“Brother Das,” Without looking up Zani called while readying his brush.
“Please state the young master’s age and origins for the registry.” There was a brief silence before reply came from the other side.
“The young master is twelve years old and As for his origins, that is not something I can disclose to you.” “No worries.
Please do not take offense at the question,” Zani said, while smoothly closing the book.
Now looking up at Das, a hopeful glint passed in his eye.
“Brother Das…
about the Training Instructor position.” “I will let you know,” Das replied flatly then he turned and walked away, his steps measured and calm.
Although Das was clearly a mortal with no cultivation of his own, standing in the shadow of nobility gave him an undeniable presence.
[Ding~] [Quest: Recruit a Talented Disciple] [Status: Completed] [Reward: 20 EXP and New System Feature: ‘Talent Evaluation Eye’] [EXP: 30/100] So, this Cuby Leo truly possesses innate talent, Zani mused, a satisfied smile creeping onto his face.
Eager to test his new reward, Zani hurried back to his living quarters and stood before a bronze mirror and activated the ‘Talent Evaluation Eye’, expecting to see the system validate his own hidden potential.
A faint light swept over his reflection.
[Not Talented] His high hopes evaporated instantly because According to the system’s strict criteria, he possessed no innate talent whatsoever.
“What a rigid system,” Zani grumbled, splashing some water on his face.
“Unable to measure the true depths of its host.” Bah.
“Talent is just the starting line.
A day will come when I stand above these so-called geniuses.” Speaking his ambition aloud lifted the gloom from his chest.
But just as he was regaining his spirits, and preparing to insult the system a bit more, the interface flashed again.
[Ding~] [New Quest: Cultivate a disciple who can Deadlift 300 kg] [Reward: 20 EXP and a Skin Tempering Realm Breathing Manual] A Breathing Manual.
Zani inhaled sharply.
Although the introduction manual he had received previously stated that a practitioner could choose any breathing technique to absorb the impact of physical beatings, Zani had done his research.
Grains City was merely a remote, impoverished city within the vast Earth Dragon Empire, and In this entire city, there were only five recognized breathing techniques.
Two were closely guarded by the Mayor, and the other three were the lifeblood of the respective dojos.
Although, According to a traveling merchant guard, who traversed the trade routes, the empire was unimaginably vast.
In the grander cities, massive auction houses openly sold these manuals and other profound resources needed for the martial path.
As for the capital, Earth Dragon City, it was said to be built upon the largest mountain on the continent, its towering peaks hidden in a mist.
But those places were too distant for him and he was tied to this land by gym.
After, breaking from his stupor, Zani re-read the quest and sobered up.
Three hundred kilograms.
That was the physical limit of an average practitioner at the very peak of Skin Tempering.
And Since he could not recruit martial artists, even if he wants to, he could not cheat the system, he had only one option: forcefully push one of his disciples to that terrifying limit and Even if it were possible, it would be a grueling endeavor.
Hah.
Zani sighed as he watched the disciples gathering in the main hall.
After a moment of thought, he made his decision and stepped out.
“Elisi!” “Yes, Master Zani?” The girl jogged over, wiping sweat from her brow, seeing her, Zani only nodded and gestured for her to follow him into the makeshift office.
“Elisi, what is your current limit?” Zani asked once they were seated.
“I haven’t tried the 100-kilo deadlift yet, but I can do reps with 80 kilos now,” she reported with a proud smile.
“Good.” Although satisfied, Zani still felt it was a bit absurd.
“Elisi, what are your plans for the future?” Zani asked.
“Will you be attending a dojo once you reach the 150-kilo requirement?” Hearing this, The girl’s proud smile faded, and she grew uncharacteristically quiet.
“I want to…
but…” “But?” “I promised my father I would not go to a dojo,” she admitted, looking at her calloused hands.
“You see, Senior Zani, although my father earns a decent wage hunting, he is saving it for my baby brother.
He cannot afford the silver to send both of us to the city.” “Your brother?
How old is he?” “He is eleven years old,” Elisi said, a trace of warmth returning to her voice.
“He will join your gym next year.” Zani smiled and leaned forward.
“Here is the arrangement, Little Elisi.
You chose the third payment method when you joined.
Payment upon gaining strength.” “Yes.” “Since you are not going to attend dojo, I want you to remain here.
Your responsibility will be to motivate your junior brothers and sisters and Serve as an example.” Elisi nodded seriously, absorbing the weight of the task.
“The day you can deadlift 300 kilos,” But as Zani stated his main purpose, “I will declare your debt entirely forgiven.” Elisi’s eyes went wide.
“Three hundred kilos?!” “Master Zani!
Do you plan to use me as the gym’s free mascot forever?!” she wailed, clutching her face in exaggerated grief.
“Boohoo!
How long will that take?
I will grow old and die lifting iron!” “Hehe, quiet down, you brat.
It is not as insurmountable as you think.” Hearing his calm tone, Elisi peeked through her fingers.
“I promise you,” Zani said smoothly.
“At most, in a year or two, you will shatter that limit.” Leaving the stunned girl to process the conversation they had, Zani exited the office.
He has a mountain of mundane chores to handle before nightfall, including hiring hands to build a new washroom.
The next day.
During the afternoon tea break, Zani once again poured a cup for Das, politely urging the servant to take the instructor position.
Again, Das simply accepted the tea and replied he would ask the young master.
The next day, during afternoon tea, the exact same scene played out.
Five days later.
Afternoon tea.
“Brother Das…” “Master Zani,” Das interrupted, setting his cup down.
“Are you going to ask me again?” “Brother Das, you already know my intent.
Please accept.
Has this junior brother of yours not pleaded enough?” Zani asked with a flawless, accommodating smile.
Haa.
“Why?” Das finally replied.
“Excuse me?” “I am asking you to give me a reason,” Das said, his gaze turning serious.
“You must understand my position, Master Zani.
Although, I am a servant.
My entire life, my livelihood, and my safety are tied to serving Young Master Leo.
Moreover, serving him is deeply profitable.” Das leaned forward slightly, resting his hands on the table.
“If I join your gym, I might need to leave that position” “So, give me a solid reason, Master Zani.
What can you possibly offer me to justify that?”