After settling the matter at Zhang Dabo's house, Chen Ping'an's life returned to its usual rhythm.
Going to work, coming home for meals.
After becoming a Chief Constable, his family's standard of living also rose steadily. Chen Ping'an also bought many books for Xiao Yatou, letting her learn slowly. Xiao Yatou was very interested, and Chen Ping'an planned to send her to school next spring.
School!
For Nanquan Lane, that was a rare place. To be literate was not something ordinary families in this world could afford.
Ever since Gongmen Thirteen Blades reached Perfection, Chen Ping'an's martial arts training time was entirely dedicated to Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training. He practiced once before going to work in the morning, twice during his free time in the day, and twice more after returning home from work in the evening.
Basically, he was accumulating 5 points of cultivation experience per day.
Ten days passed in a flash.
The power vacuum left by the demise of the Tiger Head Gang was gradually filled by a Gang called the Red Bear Gang. The force that supported the Red Bear Gang was precisely the same force that had previously supported the Tiger Head Gang.
To ordinary people, everything seemed unchanged.
But for the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office, the difference was huge. With each profit distribution, the Zhenfu Division went from being a small share to now being the largest share.
In this matter, Chen Ping'an's contributions were indispensable.
With the appreciation of Master Shen Shikan and his achievements, Chen Ping'an's status became increasingly consolidated.
Inside the Chen family's small courtyard, Chen Ping'an exhaled a long breath.
"Experience points are enough!"
After many days of diligent cultivation, Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training finally accumulated 80 experience points today.
"Breakthrough!"
As Chen Ping'an's mind focused, he tapped on the faintly visible plus sign.
Whoosh~
Experience churned, starlight shifted.
A large amount of cultivation insights and combat experience regarding Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training surged into Chen Ping'an's mind. Along with the insights, a formidable Qi and Blood surged within his body.
Qi and Blood Fifth Stage Perfection!
It's done!
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Qi and Blood Fifth Stage Perfection
Martial Arts: Iron Cloth Perfection, Flying Locust Stone Perfection, Gongmen Thirteen Blades Perfection, Thirteen Taibao Horizontal Training Major Achievement (0/200)
......
"Viscera Refinement Perfection!"
Recovering from the insights, Chen Ping'an's eyes were filled with excitement.
"Even Master Shen Shikan is only at this level! In terms of actual combat and overall strength, he might not necessarily be my opponent! With my current strength, I can truly say that I have nothing to fear in Nanquan Lane! Even in the entire Nancheng District, I am considered an extremely good Martial Artist. However..."
Chen Ping'an wiped the sweat from his body and walked towards the house.
"It's still far from enough! I still need to become stronger!"
Viscera Refinement Perfection!
Marrow Cleansing Perfection!?
No!
Neither is enough!
For Chen Ping'an, only by breaking through the Qi Blood Realm and stepping into the Realm above Qi Blood could he truly have the confidence to stand firm.
He hadn't forgotten the combat power displayed by the Ten Thousand Demons Sect Great Deacon Wu Haihua under the moonlight that night!
Short daggers danced, force burst forth, even without weapons, he possessed extremely formidable destructive power.
For the Qi Blood Realm, this was a completely different level of combat style!
Inner Qi Realm!
This was the romance of a Martial Artist.
......
"Chief, what do you need me for?"
Monkey Head walked into the Chief Constable's office with a grin.
Chen Ping'an sat in the large chair, a smile appearing on his face as he watched Monkey Head enter.
"Come, Monkey Head, sit down first before we talk."
Saying that, Chen Ping'an picked up the teapot and poured two cups of tea, one for each of them.
"Yes, Chief."
Monkey Head didn't stand on ceremony with Chen Ping'an and sat down accordingly.
"How have things been recently? Is the work going smoothly?"
Chen Ping'an placed the tea in front of Monkey Head.
Just a few days ago, Chen Ping'an had promoted Monkey Head to the position of acting Squad Leader. A Squad Leader was essentially the same role as Qin Tou back then. Usually, only official Yamen Runners could hold this position.
However, now that he was in charge of five squads of Yamen Runners, he naturally prioritized using his own people. An old acquaintance like Monkey Head, of course, needed to be arranged and operated.
"Chief, it's going very smoothly! I haven't encountered any trouble. Everyone knows I'm your man, so no one dares to make things difficult for me."
Monkey Head was in an excellent mood.
He never imagined that he, Monkey Head, would have such good fortune! The feeling of being a Squad Leader was truly very different from being a small Yamen Runner. Leading a group of people and walking through the streets, it was incredibly imposing.
"Good that it's going smoothly!"
Chen Ping'an was in a good mood.
Although Monkey Head sometimes seemed unreliable, he was polite and proper, and courageous when it mattered. Since he was one of his own, Chen Ping'an naturally wanted to cultivate him seriously.
Next, Chen Ping'an and Monkey Head chatted for a while. The atmosphere gradually became harmonious, and later they even recalled the scenes of patrolling the streets together in the past.
However, this reminiscing was brief. It was Monkey Head who actively interrupted it.
"Chief, when I patrolled the streets with you back then, I really didn't expect to have today. My current life, Monkey Head, is all thanks to you, Chief. I, Monkey Head, will never forget this."
Within the Zhenfu Division, there was a clear distinction between superiors and subordinates, and Monkey Head was very aware of his place.
"It's all because you're capable! I just did what I could! I'll tell you this upfront, if I hear that you're not doing well later, I'll be the first to remove you!"
Chen Ping'an said half-seriously, half-sternly.
"Yes, I, Monkey Head, will definitely not disappoint you, Chief." Monkey Head said with a solemn expression.
"Alright, if there's nothing else, go do your job well." Chen Ping'an said with a smile.
"Alright, Chief."
Monkey Head took his leave and went out. Just as he was about to step out the door, Chen Ping'an...
"Oh, and tell Dashan not to worry. I'll arrange something when the opportunity arises. I remember our past friendship."
Upon hearing this, Monkey Head's emotions welled up, and his nose tingled. Suppressing his excitement, he loudly said "Yes" and then left.
"This Monkey Head..."
Chen Ping'an chuckled.
Once Monkey Head had served as acting Squad Leader for a bit longer, he would find a way to make his position official. Not just Monkey Head, but Dashan too!
Xiao Zeng could also be considered, but he would be prioritized after the other two.
"It's still a bit troublesome!"
Thinking about the Credit required for official registration, Chen Ping'an felt a little distressed.
"This Chief Constable status is still a bit lacking. If I could advance further! It would be much easier to arrange for a few of my own people to be registered!"
Just as Chen Ping'an was thinking about how to advance further, Master Shen Shikan's close aide knocked on his door.
"Chief Constable Chen, Master Shen is looking for you."
It was Tao Lei, a close aide of Shen Shikan and a Yamen Runner.
"Master Shen is looking for me?"
Chen Ping'an raised his head, startled by the news.