Half a month later.
Zhao Ya stood in the courtyard wearing simple clothes, practicing the Eight Vajra Skills.
He swung his arms at times, bent his knees and leaned forward at others. Though his movements were slow, they carried a sense of profound rhythm.
Finally.
After completing all eight moves, Zhao Ya stood upright, raised both hands, and slowly finished his exercises.
The boiling Qi Blood returned to its origin. Zhao Ya felt a warm current rising, his whole body heating up, and his spirit greatly refreshed.
[Proficiency in Eight Vajra Skills increased by 2]
[Unlock progress of the stomach increased by 1%]
The familiar prompt sounded again, and Zhao Ya quickly opened the attribute panel.
Indeed.
Zhao Ya's attributes had changed once more.
Name: Zhao Ya. Age: 16. Remaining life: 21 years (+5 days).
Skills: Eight Vajra Skills (Initial Glimpse 7/200) Five Tiger Fist (Novice Practice 97/100).
At the same time, the human outline page had also changed, with the unlock progress of the stomach reaching 20%. The glow in the stomach area had visibly intensified.
Zhao Ya felt joyful.
Over the past half month, Zhao Ya had been diligently practicing and never slacked off, and the rewards were obvious.
First, the Eight Vajra Skills broke through the first level the day before yesterday, and then even the Five Tiger Fist made significant progress.
But the most important was the unlock progress of the stomach.
After reaching ten percent, Zhao Ya clearly felt that his digestive ability had strengthened.
Chunks of preserved meat didn't require much chewing, as his stomach would grind them down and absorb their essence.
This ability increased Zhao Ya's appetite, causing his Qi Blood to rise rapidly.
After all, the truth that one needs to eat to have strength holds true everywhere.
The downside was also apparent, which was that he ate too much.
Zhao Ya swallowed the last piece of preserved meat and looked at the now empty rice bin, feeling a bit troubled.
In just half a month, he had consumed all of the prepared food.
At this rate, his savings might not last until next month's salary.
Evidently, he underestimated the financial demands of training.
No wonder the ancients said, "Poor scholars, rich martial artists," it's truly the case.
Zhao Ya sighed, then began to contemplate his current predicament seriously.
How should he make money?
Borrow from colleagues at the Escort Agency?
This idea was dismissed as soon as it came up.
Firstly, he had only worked at the Escort Agency for a little over a month, and his relationships weren't that close yet.
Even if they were good, Zhao Ya didn't want to do it.
After all, everyone knew his situation. He was alone and didn't have a habit of visiting the brothel like Tan Dong, so a one or two tael monthly salary should be enough for him.
Suddenly borrowing money extensively would inevitably arouse others' suspicion.
Although the possibility was low, Zhao Ya decided not to risk it for safety's sake.
Then how to make money?
Zhao Ya racked his brains, even considering doing manual labor after work, but quickly dismissed that idea as well.
In this world, everyone lived with difficulty, and any job capable of supporting a family was basically occupied by others.
As someone without connections or background, suddenly entering another profession would only invite more trouble.
After thinking for a long time, Zhao Ya couldn't come up with a good solution and sighed.
It seems that no matter the world, making money isn't easy.
Zhao Ya picked up the rice sack, planning to buy some cheap rice before the rice market closed in the evening.
Since increasing income was temporarily not possible, he had to reduce expenses.
When leaving the rice market, it was getting dark. Zhao Ya carried a sack full of food supplies, feeling slightly more at ease.
As the saying goes, "With grain in hand, the heart is at ease." Despite his pitiful savings now being exhausted, he had managed to negotiate and purchase enough for the next half month.
If he usually saved a bit, it should be enough to hold out until the next salary.
Having solved the food issue, Zhao Ya carried the sack and headed home.
By now, it was dinner time, and the street shops had lit their signs.
The restaurant staff stood at the door, diligently attracting passersby. Occasionally, someone dressed in fine clothes would walk in proudly, creating an appearance of peace and prosperity.
But Zhao Ya noticed that in the corners where the light didn't reach, many indescribable individuals sat silently.
They were often in ragged clothes, emaciated, with vacant eyes, sitting there like withered wood.
Some sat with their heads leaning, never to rise again.
Zhao Ya sighed silently, knowing that life was becoming increasingly tough. A month ago, although beggars filled the streets, there weren't so many nearing death.
He quickened his pace towards home, and just then, the sound of a horsewhip being swung came from behind, followed by someone's shout.
"Make way for the Song Family."
Zhao Ya dodged to the side of a shop's porch, watching.
He saw several men in black riding tall horses ahead, followed by a luxurious carriage.
Zhao Ya's heart skipped a beat.
These black-clad riders had sharp eyes and strong Qi Blood, clearly accomplished in Bone Refining.
Such figures could easily be Escort Masters in Changlong Escort Agency, yet they were being used as pathfinders, showing the power of their family.
In fact, Zhao Ya knew of this Song Family, one of the prominent families in the Inner City, and he hadn't expected them to appear here.
The carriage drew near, Zhao Ya lowered his gaze, then sidestepped into an alley, leaving quietly.
Regardless of strength, it had nothing to do with the current Zhao Ya.
The lavish procession was lively, but watching too much liveliness could bring trouble, so Zhao Ya chose to stay away.
Early the next morning, Zhao Ya arrived at the Escort Agency and began sorting out the Escort Vehicle assigned to him.
The goods for escorting were varied, each needing to be categorically placed and protected against falls and rain.
This was the most crucial task for Zhao Ya and the other assistants every day.
After busying himself for a while, he finally saw Tan Dong staggering in.
No need to ask, seeing Tan Dong unable to stand up straight, Zhao Ya knew he had been out playing at the brothel again last night.
Sure enough.
Tan Dong gave Zhao Ya a weak grin.
"Zhao, my brother, help me out with the chores, I'm going to nap a bit, I can't keep my eyes open."
Zhao Ya raised an eyebrow slightly.
Tan Dong immediately said, "Lunch is on me, meat pies from the two-meat shop at the bridgehead."
"Satisfying?"
"Of course, do you think I'd invite you and not fill you up?" Tan Dong said jovially.
Zhao Ya smiled slightly, "Alright then."
Tan Dong, feeling relieved, quickly ran to the corner to catch up on sleep.
With Zhao Ya's growing Qi Blood, his stamina and coordination had both improved to varying degrees.
Therefore, what seemed heavy to others was nothing for Zhao Ya.
He quickly organized his Escort Vehicle, then began helping Tan Dong with his.
While busy, a fellow assistant walked up to Zhao Ya.
"Zhao Ya, where's Tan Dong?"
"He said his stomach hurt, went to the restroom," Zhao Ya replied naturally.
"Oh, let him know, the Chief of the Escort said that in five days, there will be a martial performance evaluation for all the assistants. He will personally watch, rewarding the best, punishing the worst."