Bang! Bang! Bang!
Chen Ping'an’s hands continuously rubbed against his body. Due to the layers of close-fitting clothing wrapped around him, the rubbing sound was a dull thud, almost like hitting cowhide.
In the small courtyard, Chen Ping'an gritted his teeth and practiced over and over again.
Finally, half an hour later, a ‘+1’ experience symbol flashed across his vision.
“Done!”
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: None
Martial Arts: Iron Cloth Not Started (4/5)
......
Looking at the panel information before him, Chen Ping'an was excited.
It really worked! If he continued with this routine, he could practice Iron Cloth twice a day. And, if it was a rest day, he might even try practicing three times a day.
This way, the speed of his Iron Cloth practice would greatly increase.
The Little Tiger Lord of the Tiger Head Gang had come to find him the day before yesterday. Including today, it had already been two days. He didn't have much time left.
However, the successful Iron Cloth practice early in the morning gave Chen Ping'an a glimmer of hope for rapid growth.
“I'll accumulate 5 experience points tonight.”
Chen Ping'an's heart was burning with excitement as he fetched clean water to wipe his body. He had to go out on patrol during the day, so he couldn't leave covered in sweat.
By the time Chen Ping'an finished wiping himself, Chen Er'ya had already cooled his bowl of porridge to a perfect temperature for eating.
Today's breakfast: a large bowl of porridge, an egg, and leftover braised pork from yesterday.
Chen Ping'an picked up the large bowl and slurped down the porridge.
He finished the entire bowl of porridge before Chen Er'ya had even eaten half of hers.
“Nannan, your brother is going to work. Remember, don’t just make do with lunch, eat something good.”
Chen Ping'an peeled the eggshell, planning to eat it on the way.
“I know, brother,” Chen Er'ya replied.
......
Eating the peeled egg on the way, Chen Ping'an walked quickly and soon arrived at the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office.
It was the usual pre-duty meeting, with many Yamen Runners gathered, listening to the Chief Constable speak.
However, today, Zheng Chatou did not appear. Instead, Li Chatou and Stern, who hadn't been present yesterday, were there.
The Nanquan Lane Garrison Office had a total of five Chief Constables, and two were present today. It was unknown what the other Chief Constables were busy with.
As for the Squad Leader and Deputy Squad Leader, they still hadn't appeared. It was unknown if they had arrived earlier but didn't show themselves, or for some other reason.
However, none of this concerned Chen Ping'an.
For him now, his mind was only on finishing work early and returning to practice Iron Cloth.
In fact, if it weren't for the rule that the two practice sessions couldn't be too close together, he would have wanted to sneak away for a bit at noon to push Iron Cloth to 5 experience points in one go.
Still accompanying Chen Ping'an on duty were Monkey Head and Da Shan, while Qin Tou was, as usual, absent.
This situation was normal; generally, Chen Ping'an would encounter Qin Tou once every five or six days.
Today, the place they were to patrol was Niu Ye Ward. Niu Ye Ward was on Niu Ye Street, the most densely populated area in Nanquan Lane.
Normally, the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office would deploy at least five squads of Yamen Runners on Niu Ye Street for regular patrols to deter petty criminals.
Like today, Chen Ping'an, Monkey Head, and Da Shan were considered one squad of Yamen Runners.
Compared to Liuye Street, the number of ruffians appearing in Niu Ye Ward was considerably higher. Niu Ye Ward was also where the Iron Bull Gang was stationed.
Like the Tiger Head Gang, the Iron Bull Gang was one of the many Gangs in Nanquan Lane.
However, in terms of prestige, the Tiger Head Gang was still a cut above.
After all, the Tiger Head Gang had the Tiger Lord and Qing Ye, one main and one vice Gang Leader, three renowned Protectors, seven Headmen as pillars, and hundreds of Gang members as fierce as wolves below them.
The Little Tiger Lord whom Chen Ping'an had encountered was a Protector of the Tiger Head Gang, and also the Tiger Head Gang Leader, Tiger Lord’s, most esteemed adopted son.
However, speaking of it, the Tiger Head Gang was just a ruffian Gang operating in Nanquan Lane. The way they styled themselves with Gang Leader, Protector, and Headmen made them sound like some famous sect from the Jianghu. To Chen Ping'an, it felt a bit out of place.
However, whenever this was brought up, Monkey Head was used to it. After all, the place they were in was Weishui County City. Compared to those Gangs operating in large and small cities, they naturally had a different kind of Face.
However, even with the Tiger Head Gang’s prestige, it was nothing to the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office. If the Tiger Head Gang truly violated any taboos, there would be no need for the Squad Leader to step forward; just two or three Chief Constables, gathering their men, could suppress them.
Therefore, even the Tiger Lord, the Gang Leader of the Tiger Head Gang, had to treat the Chief Constables of the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office with respect.
If Chen Ping'an's father, Old Chen, were still alive and had fortunately become a Chief Constable, then the Tiger Head Gang would probably not dare to come knocking to demand the money owed. Not only would they not demand it, but they would also send more silver to curry favor.
Temporary Yamen Runner, Yamen Runner, Chief Constable—different statuses, a world of difference…...
Today's patrol in Niu Ye Ward was also exceptionally smooth, with nothing special happening. The only incident they encountered was a few ruffians yelling at each other, but upon seeing them, they gave some Face and stopped their shouting.
At noon, they rested as usual. Having woken up early and with the significant energy drain from practicing Iron Cloth, Chen Ping'an slept for almost an hour before waking up.
In the afternoon, the group ambled about, and another day passed.
Yamen Runner, Yamen Runner, on duty only for off duty!
After handing in his saber and waist token, Chen Ping'an excitedly returned home.
When he arrived home, Chen Er'ya was almost done preparing dinner. With Chen Ping'an lending a hand, the speed increased significantly.
Tonight's dinner: a bowl of stir-fried pork kidney, a bowl of steamed egg, a plate of steamed pumpkin, and two bowls of white rice.
Compared to the large meat dishes of the previous two days, it was a bit less, but it was still a meal that made the neighbors envious.
The rich aroma of the dishes often wafted into the neighbors' homes every night. However, fortunately, with Chen Ping'an's status as a Yamen Runner, these dishes alone wouldn't cause any trouble.
After dinner, he and his sister cleaned up the dishes and chopsticks. Then, he relaxed and rested for a while, allowing the food to digest properly.
Then, Chen Ping'an began to stretch his body, preparing for practice.
With several experiences under his belt, Chen Ping'an's practice this time was smooth and natural.
Half an hour later, the familiar ‘+1’ experience symbol appeared in his vision, then slowly faded away.
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: None
Martial Arts: Iron Cloth Not Started (5/5)
......
“The experience points are enough!”
Looking at the panel information that only he could see, Chen Ping'an's heart pounded, and his hands and feet subtly broke out in a sweat.
At this moment, his anticipation and excitement were pushed to their limit.
“So, next…”