Early in the morning, after Chen Ping'an finished practicing Iron Cloth, he ate breakfast and then headed to the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office for duty.
Today's pre-duty meeting saw all five Chief Constables present, as Master Tian Fuliang, the Deputy Squad Leader, was participating in this meeting.
Tian Fuliang, speaking from the high platform, seemed to be in a very good mood.
Not long after the Nancheng Suppression Office's bounty list was issued, Nanquan Lane had already killed Za Mao Yu, a remnant of the Qing Yu Gang. Reporting this matter to the Nancheng Suppression Office was a huge face-saver.
Tian Fuliang still remembered that when he reported yesterday, the Squad Leader and Deputy Squad Leader of Qingliu Lane had turned green with envy.
"Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong jointly killed Za Mao Yu, a remnant of the Qing Yu Gang. Zheng Shiyong delivered the final blow, earning a medium merit and a reward of ten taels of silver. Tan Huacong assisted effectively, earning two minor merits and a reward of five taels of silver. Chen Ping'an provided useful clues, earning one minor merit and a reward of five taels of silver."
Tian Fuliang announced the results of the bounty commendation.
"Zheng Shiyong, Tan Huacong, Chen Ping'an, you are all the elites of our Nanquan Lane! I am very pleased." Tian Fuliang profusely praised the three. "Especially Zheng Shiyong, who has only just joined our Nanquan Lane Garrison Office and has already achieved such a great merit! The matter of your official registration has already been reported to the Nancheng Suppression Office. I have high hopes for you! Your future potential is limitless!"
Tian Fuliang's words made Zheng Shiyong's face light up with wild joy.
To be praised by Tian Fuliang in front of so many Yamen Runners was truly an immense honor. With Tian Fuliang leading the way, the surrounding Yamen Runners also offered their praise. The continuous praises made Zheng Shiyong feel somewhat lightheaded.
"It is all due to the excellent guidance of Squad Leader, Lord Tian, and all the Chief Constables that I, Shiyong, have achieved this merit today."
Zheng Shiyong's face was flushed with excitement, and his voice was loud and clear.
"Good, not bad." Zheng Shiyong's reply greatly satisfied Tian Fuliang. This young man was indeed someone who knew how to handle things; he could be cultivated!
Zheng Zhenwu stood behind Tian Fuliang, also in good spirits. Zheng Shiyong's achievement also brought honor to him.
Tan Huacong stood among the many Yamen Runners, a smile plastered across his face.
With Zheng Shiyong taking the lead, he had merely concocted some nonsense and thus gained two minor merits for free. It seemed now that this matter had been done without the slightest risk.
Clearly, that kid Chen Ping'an had finally come to his senses!
Thinking this, Tan Huacong looked towards the corner where Chen Ping'an was. He saw the young man's face was calm, his eyes deep, wondering what he was thinking.
The bounty commendation ceremony at the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office concluded smoothly. At the end, Tian Fuliang even called Zheng Shiyong aside for a private word.
"Ping'an, the five taels of reward silver have been issued! Hurry, treat us! Treat us!"
Monkey Head said excitedly, as if he himself had received the five taels of silver.
"Alright, I'll treat," Chen Ping'an said with a smile.
"Five taels of silver, that's several months' salary! I'll have to make you pay for a good meal, hmm, let me think carefully..." Monkey Head lowered his head in thought.
"Da Shan, what about you? What do you want to eat?" Chen Ping'an asked.
"I'm fine with anything," Da Shan said with a simple smile.
The atmosphere was relaxed as the few of them left the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office.
Throughout the entire morning, Monkey Head clamored about wanting to make Chen Ping'an go bankrupt. But when noon actually arrived, they just ate a bowl of noodles.
Chen Ping'an wanted to treat them to something good, but Monkey Head passed by a noodle stall and insisted that this stall was fated with him, so he wanted to eat there. Da Shan also chimed in, and finally, reluctantly, Chen Ping'an gave in and they ate a bowl of noodles.
While eating the noodles, Monkey Head still yelled loudly about wanting to eat Chen Ping'an into bankruptcy. When ordering his noodles, he very generously asked the boss to add a large piece of pork chop.
...
Just a few days after that pre-duty meeting, Zheng Shiyong's official registration was fully approved by the Nancheng Suppression Office.
Zheng Shiyong, a temporary Yamen Runner of the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office. His name was officially registered, and he was formally promoted to a Yamen Runner of the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office.
He was granted a saber, which he did not need to return after duty, giving him the right to carry it at all times. He was also granted a waist token, which verified his official Yamen Runner status. Additionally, he was bestowed with the Gongmen Thirteen Blades.
Zheng Shiyong's original temporary Yamen Runner's black uniform was also replaced with a formal Yamen Runner's uniform of blue cloth, with a cross-collar, narrow-sleeved long robe, and a red woven belt tied around his waist. Standing among the other Yamen Runners, he looked quite imposing.
Many temporary Yamen Runners were incredibly envious, gathering around Zheng Shiyong. Even the seasoned official Yamen Runners showed a desire to befriend him.
From his current status, Zheng Shiyong was already on par with them. Moreover, he not only had the connection with Chief Constable Zheng, but in recent days, he had also gained the favor of Deputy Squad Leader Tian Fuliang. His future prospects were bright!
Given time, he might very well become a high-ranking Chief Constable in the Nanquan Lane Garrison Office.
However, none of this concerned Chen Ping'an.
Official Yamen Runner...
Chen Ping'an's mood was not affected in the slightest. He continued to patrol the streets with Monkey Head and Da Shan, practicing Iron Cloth.
The following days were extremely fulfilling for Chen Ping'an. In between, he even took a day off, accumulating a few more points of Iron Cloth cultivation experience than usual.
One evening, Chen Ping'an was practicing Iron Cloth in his small courtyard.
A very familiar experience symbol appeared before Chen Ping'an's eyes.
"It's done!"
Looking at the faintly visible plus sign on the panel, a look of joy flashed across Chen Ping'an's face.
Without the slightest hesitation, his spirit condensed, and he tapped the plus sign.
Whoosh~
Experience points swirled, and specks of starlight surged towards his glabella.
A familiar sensation surged again, and incredibly complex information continuously poured into his mind.
These insights and experiences regarding Iron Cloth seemed to have been gained through his own continuous diligent practice day and night, combat insights, experience reviews, and personal epiphanies.
Everything felt natural!
Name: Chen Ping'an
Realm: Qi Blood Second Stage Perfection
Martial Arts: Iron Cloth Perfection
...
The changes in Chen Ping'an's body were not only about the experience and insights of Iron Cloth, but also changes in his Qi and blood and skin. At this moment, Chen Ping'an's Qi and blood were full, and his strength had increased again. His skin, which was originally comparable to cowhide, became even firmer. It was as if two layers of incredibly thick cowhide were stacked together.
Iron Cloth Perfection! Qi Blood Second Stage Perfection!
Young Master Hu, from the Tiger Head Gang, was only at the Martial Dao Realm of Qi Blood Second Stage Perfection.
In less than a month, Chen Ping'an had gone from an ordinary person with no martial arts knowledge to being on par with Young Master Hu in terms of Realm.
Among the many Yamen Runners in Nanquan Lane, Chen Ping'an's strength had already reached its Peak, representing the Peak of an official Yamen Runner. Any higher, and that would be the level of a Chief Constable.
"After delaying for several days, Qi Blood Second Stage Perfection, it's time to go to the black market."
Chen Ping'an wiped his body clean and put on the clothes he had prepared earlier.
With Iron Cloth at Perfection, without a Cultivation Technique, his Martial Dao cultivation would stagnate. Based on this, Chen Ping'an had naturally made preparations early.
Five nights ago, he went to the black market, spent some effort, and found a suitable channel. Within his limited budget, he ordered a handwritten copy of a lower-grade martial art in the black market.
Actually, if it weren't for his financial constraints, Chen Ping'an would definitely choose to buy a Cultivation Technique from the Treasure Pavilion in the city.
That way, he could practice martial arts openly and honestly.
What a pity!
He didn't have enough money!
Compared to the martial arts prices in the Treasure Pavilion, which often cost tens of taels of silver, the black market was undoubtedly much more cost-effective!
The agreed transaction time was tonight.
...
PS: Don't worry, don't worry, the protagonist will definitely have a blast later. He will kill in all directions and suppress all who disobey! I am the rule, I am the general trend of the world, who dares to defy! Kill without mercy!
It needs a little time. The outline and detailed outline have already been done for over three hundred chapters, and I am also looking forward to the later plot.