「Three days later.」
Chen Qing had just finished washing up when someone arrived outside his cabin door.
The visitor was a man in his thirties, dressed in a black short coat, followed by four or five burly underlings.
The man smiled. "You must be Brother Chen Qing. I am Xu Chengfeng of the Tiger Gang."
Chen Qing said impassively, "So, an expert from the Tiger Gang. I've heard much about you."
Xu Chengfeng clasped his fist. "From this day forward, the Tiger Gang will be taking over this area. I hope we can all get along. If there's anything we do that isn't to your satisfaction, please bear with us, Brother Chen!"
Chen Qing put on a flattered and startled expression. "You're too kind."
'The Tiger Gang has come to our door. Looks like Mute Bay has truly changed hands. The Jinhe Gang is a thing of the past.'
Xu Chengfeng smiled. "Brother Chen, you're too polite."
After a few more moments of small talk, Xu Chengfeng left with his followers.
After leaving the Chen Family residence, Xu Chengfeng gave a quiet order, "Ah Jie, go find out where this Chen Qing learns his fist techniques..."
'It never hurts to be cautious in one's dealings.'
"I understand."
The follower behind him nodded.
....
"Ah Qing, who was that just now!?"
Ms. Han asked curiously, pushing aside the cloth curtain.
"Someone from the Tiger Gang," Chen Qing said flatly.
"The Tiger Gang!?"
Upon hearing this, Ms. Han's face immediately filled with worry. "They aren't going to ask for more Incense Money, are they?"
Every time a new gang showed up, they had to pay three months' worth of protection fees in advance.
Chen Qing said, "Mom, don't overthink it."
Despite Chen Qing's attempt to comfort her, Ms. Han's expression remained grim.
After all, these gangs were like a mountain weighing on their shoulders.
Chen Qing said no more and left home for the Zhou Institute.
In the Inner Courtyard, the senior brothers were currently sparring and trading pointers.
The wind from their fists whipped through the air, making a series of CRACKLING sounds.
Chen Qing composed himself and began practicing his forms.
The hardest part of Long Arm Fist wasn't the moves, but the subtle control of the body.
Too loose, and the force disperses. Too tight, and the force stagnates. One had to find the perfect balance between relaxation and tension.
Before he knew it, he had already gone through the Long Arm Fist forms twice.
Sun Shun walked over. "Junior Brother Chen, there are a few part-time guard positions available. Take a look..."
Hearing this, Chen Qing stopped what he was doing. Sun Shun then described the three positions.
One was a position with the Li's Commerce Association. The main duties were guarding the warehouse and depot gates, patrolling at night, escorting valuable goods on short trips, and deterring petty criminals.
However, the pay was excellent, at four taels of silver a month.
Another was a position at the Drunken Moon Tower. This one was a bit special, also known as being a 'Hidden Stake'.
The duties involved maintaining order, deterring troublemakers and cheaters, collecting gambling debts, and, when necessary, using force to 'clean up' problems.
The monthly pay usually fluctuated between five and eight taels of silver, but the risk was very high.
Chen Qing shook his head, clearly unsatisfied with either option.
'The Li's Commerce Association job is safe, but there's no freedom.'
'Being a 'Hidden Stake' at the Drunken Moon Tower is too dangerous. Who knows what kind of monsters or demons will show up at the gambling den?'
"The last one is a position as a River Patrol."
Sun Shun said, "The River Department is desperately short-staffed. If you agree, you can be registered by tomorrow. It pays two taels of silver a month, with six days off each month."
"The disciples in the institute think the pay is too low, so not many of them take it."
The main duties of a River Patrol were to patrol a designated section of the river, maintain order, handle minor disputes, inspect suspicious people and boats, and assist the River Envoy in handling river affairs.
When nothing was going on, it was a very relaxed job.
After some thought, Chen Qing nodded. "I'll take that one."
Sun Shun took out a letter and instructed, "This is a letter of introduction. Just go to Qinghe Pier and find Cheng River Envoy."
"Thank you, Brother Sun."
Chen Qing took the letter and headed toward Qinghe Pier.
The bluestone path was damp, glistening faintly.
The river water lapped gently against the wooden pylons, and a few black-canopied boats bobbed with the waves.
The morning market on the bank was already open, and the shouts of vendors mingled with the smell of fish in the damp air.
Chen Qing stepped over a puddle, turned into a narrow alley, and arrived before the River Bureau Office.
The River Bureau Office wasn't large. Its facade was slightly old, with peeling lacquer revealing the dark wood underneath.
The door was open, and a smell—a mixture of old paper, sweat, and the fishy scent of the river—assaulted him.
Inside, figures moved about amidst a clamor of voices. Most were Patrols wearing the River Department's uniform, their conversations interspersed with shouts and arguments.
Chen Qing stepped over the high threshold.
The main hall was somewhat dim and simply furnished. A few long tables were piled high with scrolls and miscellaneous items, and there were even wet footprints on the floor.
He stopped a bailiff who was hurrying past, clasped his fist, and asked, "Brother, may I ask if Cheng Ming, the Cheng River Envoy, is here?"
The bailiff sized Chen Qing up. Seeing that although he wore common, rough-spun clothes, his posture was straight and his eyes were clear—and especially noting his well-defined knuckles, a clear sign of a martial artist—he pointed to a narrower corridor at the side of the hall. "The Cheng River Envoy is in the duty room inside. He's been busy all night and is probably in a foul mood right now. You can go find him yourself."
"Thank you."
Chen Qing expressed his thanks and followed the directions inside.
At the end of the corridor was a small room. The door was ajar, and light seeped out from within.
Chen Qing stopped at the door and knocked twice, gently.
"Who is it?" A hoarse, weary voice came from inside.
"My name is Chen Qing. I'm here to register for a position," Chen Qing said in a steady, clear voice.
The door creaked open from the inside.
"I'm Cheng Ming."
A square-faced man in his forties appeared before him. A saber hung loosely at his waist. He looked at Chen Qing and asked, "Do you have a letter of introduction?"
Chen Qing took the letter from his robes and presented it with both hands. "Yes."
Cheng Ming took the letter and read it, his tight brow relaxing slightly. "A disciple of Master Zhou Liang?"
"That is correct," Chen Qing replied.
"The letter is fine, and you look sturdy enough. The River Department is short-staffed right now; you've come at the right time."
Cheng Ming sized up Chen Qing, his tone softening. "You know the River Department's rules and the monthly pay, right?"
"I do," Chen Qing answered.
Cheng Ming nodded and said slowly, "I'll tell you a few more things. The River Department has nine squads. Each squad has one River Envoy and three Patrols. The work is simple."
"Walk the river section assigned to you and keep your eyes peeled. If you see any petty thieves, brawlers, or suspicious characters, don't be a fool and rush in yourself."
He stressed his words, warning, "Come back and report it first. The constables will handle it. Don't go bothering the ship captains or warehouse Stewards at the pier for no reason. They're all slippery old eels, very slick. If you really run into some blind petty crook who wants to start something..."
Cheng Ming's voice dropped. "...handle it as you see fit. Don't let yourself be taken advantage of, but don't blow things out of proportion. Remember, you're just a 'part-timer'."
He looked straight at Chen Qing, his eyes holding a complex warning. "If you really stir up a huge mess, even the Zhou Institute's reputation... might not be enough to cover for you."
Chen Qing cupped his fist and said earnestly, "Thank you for the reminder, Cheng River Envoy."
Cheng Ming was fairly satisfied with Chen Qing's attitude and gave an almost imperceptible nod. "Tomorrow at 5:00 AM, go to the duty room at the east end of the pier and find Old Li to get your waist token and uniform. He'll tell you which section to patrol. Consider today your first day. Go home and rest for now."
After a moment of silence, Cheng Ming noticed Chen Qing was still standing there and couldn't help but look up and ask, "Is there something else?"
Chen Qing cupped his fist in a salute and said in a low voice, "Cheng River Envoy, this subordinate dares to ask... could I possibly get an advance on my next few months' salary?"
"An advance on your salary?"
Cheng Ming was taken aback. This was the first time he'd heard such a request. His brow furrowed imperceptibly. "What for?"
"To pay for a gift," Chen Qing answered simply.
Cheng Ming's gaze lingered on Chen Qing's face for a moment. He mused, "There's no precedent for giving salary advances in the River Department…"
He paused briefly, then changed his tune. "Fine. I'll advance you five taels of silver. For the next few months, you won't need to collect your salary; it will go directly to me."
Chen Qing quickly bowed deeply. "Thank you, Cheng River Envoy, for making this possible!"
Cheng Ming waved his hand. "Go on."
....
In the afternoon, Chen Qing returned to the Zhou Institute to continue his Cultivation.
"Junior Brother Chen."
A few senior brothers greeted him with smiles.
The few newly-joined, entry-level disciples were especially enthusiastic.
Sun Shun beckoned him over. "Junior Brother, come spar with me."
"Alright!"
Chen Qing nodded and changed into the Zhou Institute's training uniform.
"Then I won't hold back."
Sun Shun loosened his limbs, channeled power through his legs, and rushed toward Chen Qing.
Instead of retreating, Chen Qing advanced, taking a large stride forward.
Long Arm Fist emphasizes being 'unobstructed,' 'long,' and 'fast.' To put it simply: Long-Range Attack, transparent Power, and a balance of hard and soft.
With a three-step charge, his fist was like a gale. His attacks were a continuous chain; before one move ended, the second had already arrived, forming a dense offense.
The qi and blood in Chen Qing's body surged, and a series of CRACKLING sounds erupted from his waist, legs, feet, fists, and spine.
The air popped with an astonishing display of power. This was the so-called 'A single crack is harder to buy than a thousand gold pieces'—the realm of Manifest Force.
With this sudden explosion of power, the wind from his fist howled forward.
But Sun Shun had quick eyes and fast hands. He performed a donkey roll to evade the attack, then sprang back up and threw a punch.
BANG!
After their fists met, Chen Qing was forced back several steps.
"Again!"
Sun Shun shouted and charged forward once more.
His right arm shot out like a Spiritual Snake emerging from its hole, aiming straight for Chen Qing's Central Palace. It seemed like a direct strike, but it concealed subtle variations, ready to change from a probe to a chop, or shift into a grab at any moment.
Chen Qing focused his mind, not daring to be careless.
He knew full well that Sun Shun's foundation was solid and his experience vast, far beyond what a novice like himself who had just entered the Manifest Force realm could compare to.
Seeing the fist coming at his face, he sank his hips slightly. Instead of blocking head-on, he parried outward with his left arm, using a clever technique from Long Arm Fist to disperse the force. At the same time, his footwork shifted, and he slid half a step back and to the side, attempting to neutralize the Momentum.
PAK!
Their arms met with a crisp sound.
Chen Qing felt a powerful force transmit through his arm, making it slightly numb, but he had managed to deflect the swift punch.
Following the momentum, his right fist shot out from his waist, striking at Sun Shun's ribs in a swift counterattack.
"Nice one!"
Sun Shun praised, as if he had anticipated this move all along.
Unhurried, he retracted his arm, bent his elbow, and sank down, just barely blocking Chen Qing's fist. Simultaneously, his left palm swept upward, striking toward Chen Qing's chin. The speed of his transition was dazzling.
This was the genius of Long Arm Fist's close-quarters combat—continuous and unending.
The exchange was as fast as a flash of lightning. The surrounding disciples couldn't help but stop what they were doing and gather around to watch.
"Junior Brother Chen is pretty good! He just reached Manifest Force and can already trade a few moves with Brother Sun?"
"Brother Sun is definitely not using his full strength. He's just guiding him."
"That's still amazing. Look at Junior Brother Chen's reaction; his Power really seems well-developed."
Sun Shun didn't press his attack. Instead, he stood in place and smiled at Chen Qing. "How did that feel?"
Chen Qing took a deep breath to calm his roiling qi and blood, then cupped his fist. "Thank you for your guidance, Brother Sun. I understand now."
He truly felt it. Although he could sense that his strength had increased significantly, when it came to the application of Power, he still felt like he was falling short.
It was obvious that Sun Shun wanted to help Chen Qing familiarize himself with the Power of the Manifest Force realm more quickly.
Sun Shun smiled. "We're all martial brothers. No need to be so polite."
Just then, Zhou Yu walked over and said, "Brother Sun, my father wants you to come to the back courtyard."
"Alright, I understand."
Sun Shun nodded and followed Zhou Yu toward the back courtyard.
Besides Sun Shun and Qin Lie, several other disciples who had reached the Dark Force realm were also there.
Seeing this, many disciples' attention was immediately drawn.
Someone muttered under their breath, "Did something happen?"
A senior brother next to him said, "The Martial Arts Examination is approaching. Master is probably going to discuss matters related to it. Disciples like Brother Sun and Brother Qi are highly valued by Master..."
The Martial Arts Examination!?
A buzz of discussion immediately filled the courtyard.
Chen Qing, however, paid it no mind and continued to ponder his Long Arm Fist.
Before long, a golden light flashed in his mind.
[Heaven Rewards Diligence, Success is Certain]
[Long Arm Fist Minor Achievement (1/1000)]
.....