“This man’s skills are impressive. I’ve already fought him personally and can vouch for his abilities. Now that Brother Wuwan is dead, I intend to let Qin Ming take Brother Wuwan’s position.. What do the rest of you think?”
Yang Yulian’s words had barely fallen when the entire hall erupted.
“What?!”
“You want this kid to replace Brother Wuwan?”
It was like pouring boiling oil into cold water.
The assembly instantly exploded with outrage.
“Chief! That’s against the rules!”
A burly man with a thick beard and a weathered leather vest slammed his palm onto the table and stood up.
He was Zhao Tiedan, the White Jade Pillar, the man responsible for the stronghold’s horses.
His booming voice carried both disbelief and anger.
“Brother Wuwan was one of the original Eight Pillars who followed the former chief, Liu Dahu, from the very beginning! The Sweeping Pillar manages the brothers’ pay and the stronghold’s accounts. How can you simply hand that position to some outsider?”
“Exactly!”
A lean man with sharp eyes and unusually large knuckles immediately joined in.
He was Sun Yaozi, the Message Pillar, the man responsible for gathering intelligence.
His voice was harsh and piercing.
“Every person who sits among the Eight Pillars has earned it through years of hardship. They’ve risked their lives, contributed to the stronghold, and survived countless dangers.”
He pointed directly at Qin Ming.
“This kid just arrived. We know nothing about him. He hasn’t contributed a single thing, yet he wants to leap straight into a leadership position? How are the brothers supposed to accept that?”
“A skilled fighter? Bah!”
Another stocky man with a scar across his face spat onto the ground.
“When we tied him up earlier, his hands were rough as tree bark, and he still smelled like dirt from the fields. To me, he’s just some country hunter. What kind of expert is that? Chief, don’t let him fool you.”
Normally, Yang Yulian enjoyed immense prestige within Yu Family Stronghold.
Few people ever questioned her decisions.
This time, however, her proposal was simply too shocking.
…
Although Yu Family Stronghold was technically a bandit stronghold, its internal organization was remarkably sophisticated.
At its core was a structure known as the Four Beams and Eight Pillars.
The term originally referred to a traditional architectural framework supported by four beams and eight pillars.
Within the stronghold, it functioned much like departments within a company.
Each position carried specific responsibilities essential to the operation of the organization.
The Four Beams were divided into the Inner Four Beams and Outer Four Beams.
Among the Inner Four Beams:
The Cannon Head acted as the vanguard commander, leading assaults and serving as Yang Yulian’s trusted battlefield lieutenant.
The Grain Steward handled food supplies, lodging, and logistics.
The Water Fragrance oversaw security, sentries, and patrol duties.
The Overseer of Ramparts served as the strategist, advising the leadership on plans and tactics.
The Outer Four Beams included:
The Hostage Housekeeper, responsible for managing captives and collecting ransom.
The Silver Tongue, who handled negotiations and external relations.
The Scout Chief, tasked with reconnaissance and target selection.
The Scribe, responsible for letters and administrative documents.
As for the Eight Pillars, they were the stronghold’s field leaders.
Each commanded personnel and oversaw specific operations.
Their titles included:
Sweeping Pillar
Ruthless Pillar
White Jade Pillar
Guardian Pillar
Scout Pillar
Message Pillar
Outer House Pillar
Gate Pillar
Together, they managed finances, horse breeding and maintenance, personal security, intelligence gathering, negotiations, correspondence, and numerous other affairs.
Joining the stronghold was not easy either.
Prospective members usually needed a sponsor and had to sign agreements accepting all risks, including death.
Trust and loyalty were considered essential.
Whether among the Four Beams or Eight Pillars, nearly everyone present was an old veteran of the stronghold.
Many had followed the former chief, Liu Dahu, from the very beginning.
Even those who joined later had spent years proving themselves through service and sacrifice.
Given that background, it was no surprise everyone opposed Yang Yulian’s proposal to elevate Qin Ming directly into leadership.
…
“Everyone, calm down.”
A middle-aged man dressed like a scholar slowly rose to his feet.
“Let me ask the young man a few questions first. We can discuss the matter afterward.”
His name was Fang Jing.
As one of the Inner Four Beams, he held the position of Overseer of Ramparts, effectively serving as the stronghold’s strategist.
Fang Jing had once been a county scholar.
After repeatedly failing the provincial examinations, he earned a living teaching.
Eventually, he was recruited by Liu Dahu and became Yu Family Stronghold’s adviser.
The moment Fang Jing spoke, the hall quieted.
He approached Qin Ming.
“What’s your name?”
“Qin Ming.”
“And what did you do before coming here?”
“I’m a hunter.”
After listening to their discussion, Qin Ming realized they had no intention of killing him immediately.
That brought him some relief.
Although he remained deeply worried about Fan Niang, survival had to come first.
“Hunter, huh?”
Fang Jing studied him carefully.
“Have you practiced martial arts before?”
“I have.”
“In that case, would you be willing to demonstrate your skills for everyone?”
“Of course. But you’ll need to untie me first.”
“Untie him.”
At Fang Jing’s order, two men stepped forward and removed Qin Ming’s restraints.
Rolling his stiff shoulders and neck, Qin Ming looked around.
“What would you like to see?”
“Start with some unarmed techniques.”
“Fair enough.”
Qin Ming stepped into the center of the courtyard.
In his previous life, he had worked as a martial arts instructor.
He was familiar with numerous styles and weapons.
After a brief moment of thought, he chose to perform a set of Tai Chi.
Tai Chi emphasized slow, flowing, circular movements.
It focused on balance, coordination, and control.
To outsiders, it often appeared gentle.
Yet beneath the softness lay hidden power.
Qin Ming began moving.
His motions flowed seamlessly from one form to the next.
Parting the Wild Horse’s Mane.
White Crane Spreads Its Wings.
Brush Knee and Twist Step.
Play the Lute.
Grasp the Sparrow’s Tail.
Single Whip.
Cross Hands.
Every movement connected naturally to the next.
His technique was refined and elegant.
Slow on the surface.
Precise underneath.
Unfortunately, the audience wasn’t impressed.
The bandits exchanged confused looks.
Most of them practiced straightforward martial arts focused on speed, aggression, and raw strength.
To their eyes, Qin Ming’s performance looked far too slow.
Far too soft.
Far too harmless.
A chuckle broke the silence.
Then another.
Soon, laughter spread throughout the courtyard.
“What kind of martial art is that?”
Liu Mang, the stronghold’s Cannon Head, stared in bewilderment.
“It’s so slow and soft. It looks like it couldn’t hurt anyone.”
“Hahaha!”
Zhao Tiedan slapped his thigh and burst out laughing.
“Kid, are you performing some sort of folk dance for us?”
“I’ve seen old women arguing in the marketplace with more spirit than this.”
Sun Yaozi added sarcastically.
The hall erupted into laughter.
Qin Ming merely smiled.
“Whether a style is practiced by men or women doesn’t matter.”
He folded his hands behind his back.
“A good martial art is one that works.”
His gaze swept across the room.
“If any of you doubt it, we can have a friendly match.”
His voice remained calm and steady.
“If I lose, you may deal with me however you see fit.”
The laughter gradually died away.
For the first time, several people began looking at him with genuine interest.