Wisps of clouds brushed the distant mountains, withered grass stretched to the horizon, and footsteps fell softly on the fine sand under the newly cleared sky.
Chen Yuan arrived at Huo Courtyard with brisk steps to continue his cultivation.
After completing a few sets of the Rocky Pile Skill, his qi and blood surged, leaving him refreshed and invigorated. Just as he was taking a sip of water, he saw Senior Brother Tao returning from outside and walking straight toward him.
"Senior Brother Tao," Chen Yuan raised his hand in a routine greeting.
Tao Ping nodded with a smile.
"Junior Brother Chen, regarding affiliated positions, those same few factions are still hiring. At Liang’s Armory, an entry-level Martial Artist gets four taels a month. At the Yangwei Escort Agency, the monthly pay depends on the frequency and difficulty of the escort missions. At the Guest Welcoming Tavern, acting as a hidden enforcer to keep the peace pays seven taels a month.
"Besides those, the Liu Family in the Inner City is also hiring. After hearing about your situation, they are willing to offer five taels a month. Junior Brother Chen, do any of these catch your eye?"
Chen Yuan pondered for a moment. A Weapon Forging Shop would be too busy and interfere with his martial arts practice. An Escort Agency was unstable, dangerous, and time-consuming. The tavern was even more dangerous and completely went against the principle of self-preservation. After weighing his options, only the Liu Family’s Nursing Home was the most suitable.
However, he did not agree immediately. "Senior Brother, let me think it over carefully."
Tao Ping nodded slightly. "There’s no rush. Since this concerns your future martial arts expenses, you should consider it thoroughly. I’ll keep an eye out for you during this time and let you know if anything better comes up."
Saying this, he sighed. "If we’re talking about the best compensation, that would undoubtedly belong to the four great families of the Inner City—Song, Li, Zhao, and Xu. Unfortunately, their minimum requirement is a Grade C Root Bone. I wanted to ask them to make an exception, but I was still rejected."
Rules were rigid. With their massive enterprises and sprawling operations, those families naturally wouldn’t make an exception for a Nursing Home.
Chen Yuan cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for going through the trouble for me. Since I don’t meet the requirements, there’s no need to force it."
After Tao Ping left, Chen Yuan continued to practice his stance work. With nearly half a month left, he wasn’t in a hurry. He decided to wait and see what Senior Brother Huang had to say.
By evening, Chen Yuan received word from Senior Brother Huang, asking him to come over for a chat.
In a guest room of the Gu Family.
Huang Yan poured Chen Yuan a cup of tea and said calmly, "I have a friend serving as a Tributor for the Li Family in the Inner City. They are short of a Nursing Home. The terms they’re offering are seven taels of silver a month for an entry-level Martial Artist. Later, when your strength breaks through, the monthly pay will increase accordingly. Are you willing?"
Chen Yuan’s eyes lit up. He knew this was an opportunity Senior Brother Huang had fought for by using his connections; otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to get in at all. He also knew this was pretty much the highest compensation he could get for an affiliated position, and it was relatively leisurely to boot.
He nodded immediately. "Thank you, Senior Brother Huang. This position is excellent. I’m willing to go."
Huang Yan nodded slightly. "Yes, the Nursing Home work isn’t too strenuous, so it suits you well. I’ll write a letter right now. Go to the Li Family and hand it to Fan Dajiang; he will make the arrangements."
Saying so, he picked up a brush and began writing with a SWISH SWISH.
Though he called it writing a letter, it actually took only a dozen seconds to finish. Chen Yuan could already guess the contents: *This is my junior brother, arrange a Nursing Home for him. Huang Yan.* It should be more or less like that.
Chen Yuan took the recommendation letter and hurried toward the Li Family in the Inner City before the sky turned completely dark.
The bluestone path gradually widened into a broad avenue, and eventually, Chen Yuan arrived before a towering city wall. The Inner City and the Outer City were sharply divided, literally separated by a physical wall. The lowborn and destitute of the Outer City were not permitted to step foot into the Inner City.
Logically speaking, Chen Yuan didn’t have the qualifications either. However, by slightly revealing his Manifest Force strength, he entered smoothly. An entry-level Martial Artist had already transcended social classes and could live quite well even in the Inner City.
As soon as he stepped inside, Chen Yuan gazed into the distance and clicked his tongue repeatedly in sheer amazement at the sight before him.
Even though the sky had grown dark, the Inner City remained brilliantly illuminated. Hooves CLOPPED against the pavement, and ornate carriages drawn by fine steeds filled the streets with the scent of perfume. It truly was a scene where brilliant lanterns outshone the moon, and flying canopies brushed against the blossoming trees.
Passing by a brothel, he witnessed firsthand what it meant for the melodious notes of flutes to drift through the air while the radiant glow of jade-like lanterns slowly revolved.
Chen Yuan knew very well that now was not the time to indulge in the entertainment quarters. After asking for directions along the way, he finally arrived before the Li Mansion. Looking closely, he saw vermilion doors, intricately carved beams, and painted pillars—it was incredibly imposing.
A servant stood on each side of the main gate. Seeing Chen Yuan approach, one of them asked coldly, "Who goes there? Do you have a calling card?"
Chen Yuan handed over Huang Yan’s letter and said, "Please deliver this letter to Tributor Fan Dajiang."
Hearing Fan Dajiang’s name, the servant’s expression changed slightly, and he became more respectful. "Please wait a moment. I will go report this at once."
Not long after, the servant who had gone to notify them returned. Bowing slightly, he said, "Brother, please follow me."
Chen Yuan nodded, stepped over the threshold, and entered the Li Mansion, the residence of one of the Inner City’s four great families.
The interior of the mansion was equally magnificent. Pavilions and towers were scattered about, embellished with small bridges over flowing water, exuding a distinct elegance. There were also a few people patrolling the grounds. With just a brief exchange of glances, Chen Yuan could confirm they were entry-level Martial Artists—likely his future colleagues.
Under the servant’s guidance, Chen Yuan arrived at a large courtyard in the east. It was a Martial Arts Arena more than twice the size of Huo Courtyard. Plum Blossom Stakes, wooden dummies, stone locks, weapon racks, and more—everything one could need was here. Adjacent to it were guest rooms where people could rest.
Stepping into the Martial Arts Arena, he saw a tall, upright man in black clothes with a full beard standing with his hands clasped behind his back. A few people were practicing martial arts in the arena, generating gusts of strong wind.
The servant said respectfully, "Tributor Fan, I’ve brought the person."
Chen Yuan knew this was the friend Senior Brother Huang had mentioned. He cupped his hands in greeting. "Chen Yuan pays his respects to Tributor Fan."
"Mm, step down," Tributor Fan said to the servant. After that, he looked Chen Yuan up and down and spoke plainly. "Huang Yan told me that although you have a Grade D-Superior Root Bone, you became an entry-level Martial Artist in just two and a half months. I want to test you to see if you, as an entry-level Martial Artist, are a fraud."
Chen Yuan knew this was Fan Dajiang testing him. He was giving his friend face, but since he was working for the Li Family, he had to make sure things looked acceptable on the surface.
He cupped his hands and said, "Please test me, Tributor Fan."
He wasn’t nervous. Senior Brother Huang had already put in a good word; as long as he wasn’t completely incompetent, he would essentially pass. This was also a chance for Fan Dajiang to feel out his foundation.
Fan Dajiang called out to the few people in the Martial Arts Arena, "Tian Peng, come here and spar with this brother."
A lean and muscular man stopped his movements and jogged over. He looked Chen Yuan up and down, tilted his head, and asked, "Boss, what’s his background? How should we fight?"
Fan Dajiang replied, "He’s a disciple of Master Huo with a Grade D-Superior Root Bone. He became an entry-level Martial Artist in just over two months. We’re just testing the newcomer, so keep it to friendly sparring."
A strange look flashed across Tian Peng’s eyes. He rubbed his fists and palms together, eager to try. "Alright, Boss. Let me test this brother’s mettle."
Fan Dajiang then looked at Chen Yuan and introduced him. "This is Tian Peng, a disciple of the Benlei Martial Arts Hall. He has a Grade C-Superior aptitude and became an entry-level Martial Artist in just over three months. He passed the assessment half a month ago and came here to serve as a Nursing Home. Let’s see if you can hold your own against him."
Chen Yuan nodded and sized up Tian Peng. He had a long, square face and exuded an aura of refined toughness. His fighting style was likely fierce and forceful as well. However, he had probably only entered the martial path recently, so he shouldn’t be too difficult to handle.
The sparring quickly began:
"Xin Yi Liu He Fist, Chen Yuan. Please advise."
"Thunderbolt Hand, Tian Peng. Watch out."