Chapter Three: Soaring Far and High

He headed north out of the city gate, and when he turned back to look, he saw Tian Niu and another person still following him from a distance. He had long known that Tian Niu and his companion would never easily give up. He thought that just now, due to the presence of many people, he had revealed a bit of his skill, which made them wary, hence they did not take action. In a different situation, Cheng Chuqiu also understood that as long as one closely followed the prey, there would always be an opportunity to strike.

Cheng Chuqiu's entire body was stiff, and he wanted to turn around to investigate but dared not do so. This person had actually managed to approach him silently from behind, possessing martial skills that were beyond comprehension, capable of striking him down at any moment. Since his debut, he had never encountered such a formidable master, causing his heart to race uncontrollably.

If it were any other time, he would have suddenly turned back to confront the two and question them thoroughly. However, at this moment, he truly did not wish to create any more trouble. Yet, he could not help but feel competitive, thinking to himself: "Alright, I will just see how long you two can keep this up."

However, the two men, like oxen in a field, kept circling around him, clearly intent on engaging in a prolonged war of attrition. Although Cheng Chuqiu had always been confident in his martial arts skills, he was not arrogant. With this thought in mind, he shifted his footing and began to run in circles as well.

Early the next morning, Cheng Chuqiu changed into new clothes as agreed and went to find the foreman. The foreman had called over two other people and instructed, "You two take this brother Cheng with you. He will be in charge of the items. If you see Lord Xu, remember to be a bit more attentive. If you do not see Lord Xu, it is also fine; just hand the items over to Master Fei, and he will arrange everything."

However, for some reason, he still endured it. Perhaps it was because he had matters more troubling than the pain before him, which he needed to escape from? Cheng Chuqiu himself was not clear, but the fact is, he indeed endured it, allowing others to summon him at will

Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback upon hearing this and turned around, only to find the two individuals looking at him with ambiguous smiles. At that moment, the attendant, following the instructions, brought the wine to Cheng Chuqiu's table and said, "Sir, those two gentlemen are treating you." Cheng Chuqiu waved his right hand, signaling the attendant to withdraw.

One person exclaimed, "Oh dear, our esteemed hero Cheng has such a grand demeanor, he looks down on us!" The other replied, "Have you forgotten to introduce yourself? Is just a pot of wine so rare?" The two bantered back and forth, teasing each other. Cheng Chuqiu completely ignored them, appearing as if he were unaffected by the situation.

Cheng Chuqiu felt a surge of anger and said, "You two treat me like meat on the chopping block." He continued, "In that case, I really should drink a toast to you both and recoup some of my losses."

That afternoon, the foreman suddenly sent someone to find him. He asked directly, "Do you know how to read?" Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback, not expecting such a question.

It turned out that when he was imprisoned, all the silver on him had already been taken away. The jailer allowed him to keep a few copper coins, which was already a considerable act of mercy. Cheng Chuqiu had never experienced such a humiliating life; fortunately, he was naturally open-minded. With a sigh, he felt relieved. He spent a couple of coins to buy a baked pancake and some coarse tea, and put the remaining coins in his pocket, thinking: "Now that the situation is tense, and having just escaped from prison, the real culprit will surely remain still and wait for the right moment. I must first settle myself down and plan for the long term."

The former, unable to resist the latter's earnest pleas, took out a porcelain bottle from his bosom and said softly, "As long as you pour the contents of this bottle into the wine and have Miss Xu drink it, within half an hour, she will willingly throw herself into your arms!" The other person replied, "Isn't that just an aphrodisiac?"

Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "Damn it!" He said nonchalantly: "One thousand taels of silver? I am somewhat taken aback."

The middle-aged man with a slightly receding hairline said, "I will first take you to meet the master. Whether the lord sees you or not will depend on what your family master has written in the letter." The man surnamed Zhang smiled and replied, "Yes, yes."

However, upon reflection, the foreman not only provided him with a job but also took care of his meals and accommodation. Now, he is even giving him money, which can be seen as a sign of trust. If he were to leave just like that, it would be rather ungrateful. Furthermore, he is quite curious about what mysterious matters await him tomorrow. Ultimately, he decides to stay for the time being.

Feeling troubled, Cheng Chuqiu suddenly noticed a group of construction workers emerging from a hollow in the mountain. As they walked, they complained. When they passed by, Cheng Chuqiu listened carefully and realized they were all grumbling about the foreman, who only knew how to rush the work, resulting in increasingly shorter breaks.

It turned out that Cheng Chuqiu had been challenging Niu Junfu to a duel repeatedly, which made Tian Jingrong quite anxious. When Cheng Chuqiu intended to resolve the matter quickly by relying on his superior internal strength, it became even more concerning. Clearly, they had the advantage of two against one, and it would be unwise to neglect such an opportunity. Therefore, he moved swiftly and struck a palm towards Cheng Chuqiu's back. This was not only an ambush from behind but also a strategy of surrounding Wei to rescue Zhao. Clearly, they had the advantage of two against one, and it would be unwise to neglect such an opportunity. Therefore, he moved swiftly and struck a palm towards Cheng Chuqiu's back. This was not only an ambush from behind but also a strategy of surrounding Wei to rescue Zhao.

The two exchanged a dry laugh. One of them said, "It seems we, the two brothers, have been rude. My surname is Tian, and this is my brother, whose surname is Niu..." Cheng Chuqiu then paused his actions, glanced at the two, and said, "So it turns out you are the two gentlemen known in the jianghu as 'money without shame, the plow ox does not till the field,' Tian Jingrong and Niu Junfu. I apologize for my rudeness"

Cheng Chuqiu pretended to chase a few steps to intimidate the two not to return. He then continued to head north. He was originally going north; if Tian Niu and the other person were still unwilling to give up, they might guess he was heading in another direction. He deliberately continued north, embodying the principle of reality and illusion.

Cheng Chuqiu finally saw the appearance of this Lord Xu clearly. In fact, at fifty years old, he looked far from old due to his good maintenance. What is there to celebrate longevity? Yet, why not pay respects for longevity? However, others do not care; they gain face and receive congratulatory gifts, and both hosts and guests enjoy themselves, so why not partake in the festivities?

A gentle evening breeze swept through, the leaves swayed gracefully, producing a sound like the rustling of waves. Cheng Chuqiu found herself amidst it, feeling as if she were riding the clouds or soaring through the wind, momentarily forgetting where she was.

He verbally expressed "my apologies," yet his face showed no respect. However, Tian Niu and the other person were quite surprised that Cheng Chu Qiu could mention both their names in a single sentence. The first to speak, Tian Jing Rong, said: "I did not expect that our humble names would be remembered so clearly by the esteemed hero Cheng. It is indeed a great honor, a great honor!"

Another voice remarked: "Did you not see the way she just walked in, her slender waist swaying so enticingly? Thinking of this, I feel a rush of blood; how could I not be interested? However, she is a noble lady, a precious daughter of a high official. To set your sights on her, are you courting death?"

Niu Junfu had never encountered someone with such a sharp mind and high comprehension. As he waited in vain for Tian Jingrong's assistance, he gradually found it increasingly difficult to persevere. Thus, he made a resolute decision to abandon the formation that the two had developed and instead rely solely on his own family's techniques to cope.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "Gifts? What kind of gifts?" The one surnamed Hong replied: "Since the boss hasn't told you anything, it's better for you not to know too much. In any case, when you get there, just open your eyes wide and you'll understand what it's all about."

One acted in a panic while the other took a leisurely approach, and the outcome is self-evident. Moreover, Cheng Chuqiu's martial arts skills were inherently superior to both of theirs

Indeed, it is not easy to pursue this profession; the higher the reward, the more formidable the opponents become, and the greater the risks involved. There is no time to retrain, but the two have openly exchanged insights on each other's martial arts. After distilling the essence, they have practiced several sets of techniques and formations. Over the past decade, combined with their practical combat experience, their skills have become increasingly refined, embodying a remarkable fusion of two distinctly different martial arts, resulting in a power that exceeds more than just double, thus gaining considerable advantages.

Old Zhang interjected, "This is not a problem, absolutely no problem..." Cheng Chuqiu was furious, forgetting that he was trying to avoid trouble, and almost burst into a tirade. Seeing his expression was off, the man surnamed Hong hurriedly came over to hold him back, saying, "Brother Cheng, if you can work here, that is a blessing you earned in your previous life! Why not quickly thank Master Fei!"

The middle-aged man with a slightly receding hairline smiled and instructed someone to open the door. The man surnamed Hong immediately ordered everyone to carry the items inside. The man surnamed Zhang said, "Manager Luo, my master also instructed me to bring a letter, hoping to deliver it to Lord Xu. I wonder..."

In a moment of idle chatter, Cheng Chuqiu seized the opportunity to ask, "Where are we headed now, brothers?" The man surnamed Zhang replied, "Did the boss not tell you? We are going to deliver a gift"

He listened for a while longer, but the content of the conversation between the two was nothing more than various speculations about Miss Xu. He thought to himself: "Looking at the attire and demeanor of these two, they must have trained for several years, and they are likely bodyguards for a certain guest."

Cheng Chuqiu suddenly thought of Yao Ji upon hearing this, and his heart raced. He then heard another person continue to ask: "If even martial artists are like this, how can ordinary people endure it?" The first person replied: "You should understand this. What ability does Miss Xu have to withstand it? However, the dosage of the medicine must be handled with utmost care; otherwise, no matter how alluring she may be, if she were to perish, it would only be a one-time experience."

If that is indeed the case, then the two individuals should already be nearby, which would provide the opportunity to poison through that maid's hands

However, he was still unwilling to stop, continuing to rush forward without any decrease in speed. Before long, he could faintly hear the sound of the river, and before he knew it, he had arrived at the banks of the Xiang River.

After the kind fisherman took his money, he also gifted him two crabs. Cheng Chuqiu carried the two crabs ashore, entered the territory of Xiangtan County, found a restaurant, and asked the kitchen staff to cook them, treating it as lunch. The remaining money was insufficient to buy wine, so he opted to brew a pot of tea instead

Niu Junfu said: "If you are willing to cooperate obediently, not only will I spare your life, but you will also enjoy a life of luxury following us, I guarantee you will not be treated poorly." Tian Jingrong listened and burst into hearty laughter

Moreover, he regarded himself as quite superior, completely disregarding Lei Songde, Cao Chong, and even his two senior brothers, let alone expecting them to uncover the true culprit. The thought of his master's deep-seated blood feud, the uncertainty of when it could be avenged, and the delay of his marriage to Wen Jun, all stemmed from his indulgence in wine and lust, which led to his downfall, causing him to sigh repeatedly.

It turns out that he believed, according to Ji Liangping and Cao Chong, that Yao Ji had died from an overdose of a spring medicine. Notably, Cao Chong clearly mentioned: "This spring medicine, upon investigation, is not something that can be concocted by an ordinary pharmacy; it should be a type of medication from a secret sect in the martial world, used on those who possess internal martial arts, with effects that are only stronger. In other words, its formulation is intended to deal with people from the martial arts community."

Although Cheng Chuqiu is someone the steward wants, this person surnamed Luo does not dare to be so arrogant in his presence. After tidying up and changing clothes, he directly leads him to meet the steward. Upon seeing him, the steward praises: "Your physique and appearance are quite good; the Xu residence lacks talents like you. Tonight is the master's birthday banquet, and there will be many guests from various places. You will be responsible for assisting with seating guests by the main entrance today"

Cheng Chuqiu, wishing to avoid further trouble, feared that there might be limitations. An idea struck her; taking advantage of the absence of others, she suddenly took off running and hid among the tall grass by the roadside. When the two hurriedly caught up, she suddenly sprang out from behind them.

Cheng Hong and the other person followed him along the way. Cheng Chu Qiu said, "What is your name, brother?" The man replied, "My surname is Luo." Cheng Chu Qiu noticed his tone was rather indifferent, feeling displeased in his heart, and simply responded with a "hm" without saying anything further

It turned out that these two individuals were around thirty to forty years old, about ten years older than Cheng Chuqiu. After rolling in the martial world for twenty years, all they had earned were nicknames that others mocked and ridiculed behind their backs. In contrast, this young Cheng Chuqiu was actually referred to as "the great hero." The more they thought about it, the more uncomfortable it became. Thus, while he said, "It is a great honor," his expression bore no trace of honor.

Cheng Chuqiu instinctively shrank back, widening her eyes and looking around. Suddenly, she thought: "Since they would resort to poisoning and scheming, it is evident that they do not understand acupoint sealing at all. How high can their martial skills be? Cheng Chuqiu, when did you become so timid as a mouse!"

The previous person said: "What spring medicine? Ordinary spring medicine is merely an aphrodisiac, so what is so special about it? My concoction has a significant origin, and it is not easily obtained; common itinerant doctors cannot prepare it. Hehe, let me tell you, even if the other party has practiced internal martial arts and is a person of the martial world, under the stimulation of internal energy, the efficacy of the medicine will only be stronger. At that time, with passions running high and desires unrestrained, one must be wary of whether your body can withstand it"

Having not yet attended to the matter, Cheng Chuqiu had already risen and said, "Waiter, settle the bill!" The shop assistant responded but did not dare to approach immediately. Cheng Chuqiu placed the money on the table and left without further ado

Cheng Chuqiu, feeling utterly perplexed, overheard the earlier speaker say: "Of course I want my life, but I cannot give up on the beauty... hee hee..." Upon hearing this, he realized that these were two individuals completely unrelated to him engaged in conversation. These two had long been seated there, and it was he who had walked over to their side, thus he could not perceive their presence.

At this moment, Cheng Chuqiu's speed was even faster than Tian Jingrong's. Moreover, it seemed that he had grasped several key points of their collaboration from the recent exchange, consistently getting ahead of Tian Jingrong and occupying the position he was supposed to take.

Therefore, in any case, this is a clue. Cheng Chuqiu recognized the appearance of the two individuals and closely monitored their every move. He planned that even if they did not come to him today, he would take the initiative to approach them.

After much effort, all the various guests were finally taken care of. Cheng Chuqiu originally thought he could take a break, but unexpectedly, as soon as he finished here, he was immediately called to help serve dishes and clean the plates. Cheng Chuqiu exclaimed, "How exhausting!" It would have been fine to help guide others, even if it meant doing hard labor like carrying bricks, but the thing Cheng Chuqiu has found most difficult in his life so far is serving others. Now, being summoned to pour tea and serve wine is something he deeply resents from the bottom of his heart.

In this world, there are those who rely on their power to bully others, and the strong who dominate the weak. Such behavior is common, and I have long since become accustomed to it. Therefore, these two individuals, relying on their strength, are trying to outsmart the weaker women. Cheng Chuqiu did not take it to heart. Instead, he thought: "There should be quite a few people in this hall who, like these two, have some martial arts background; I just wonder if there are any experts among them." With this thought, he lowered his hat and carefully observed each table of guests. He thought again: "There should be quite a few people in this hall who, like these two, have some martial arts background; I just wonder if there are any experts among them." With this thought, he lowered his hat and carefully observed each table of guests.

Although Niu Junfu did not know what had happened, he shared a mutual understanding with Tian Jingrong. Upon hearing the words "make way," he immediately stepped aside. At that moment, a loud crash echoed, and Tian Jingrong's body was sent flying backward.

The Xu residence is hosting a grand banquet today, and most of the guests are busy until late. Therefore, although it is already past the first watch, the light from Miss Xu's chamber still shines through the window, indicating that she has not yet retired for the night. Soon, a maid's figure appears in the corridor, carrying something in her hands as she approaches the door. After a few crisp knocks, followed by a soft "Oh," the door swings open, and the young maid steps inside, closing the door behind her.

Cheng Chuqiu said: "You two have followed me all night; it can't be just to invite me for a drink, can it?" Tian Jingrong replied with a smile: "Since Hero Cheng has asked so directly, we will speak frankly. Hero Cheng may not know that your senior brother has placed a bounty of one thousand taels of silver, dead or alive, to capture you and bring you back, right?"

In the midst of their conversation, the three entered the city and arrived at the back door of a grand residence. The one surnamed Zhang stepped forward to knock on the door. Shortly after, a head appeared from behind the door, glancing at the three and asking, "Are you looking for the steward?" The one surnamed Zhang replied, "Please inform him." The person then withdrew their head.

Cheng Chuqiu caught up with the crowd and inquired about the work they were hurrying to complete. A few of them, seeing his unfamiliar face, hurriedly avoided him, but one person responded: "The court has issued an order to rebuild the Yuelu Academy, and the deadline is approaching, so we are working tirelessly. Since we live nearby, we will return home for dinner and then come back to work through the night"

It is unclear how much time has passed, as the sky gradually brightens from behind, stretching his shadow long in front of him. Cheng Chuqiu suddenly chuckles silently, realizing that there is only his own shadow on the ground. It seems that those two pursuers will not be able to catch up with him.

Cheng Chuqiu felt that he was being rude, and before he could speak, Old Zhang had already said: "That's right, that's right, Brother Cheng is working with us now!"

Then Niu Junfu reluctantly received the second strike, and his vision went dark. In an instant, he felt the world spinning around him. Before he could even gather his energy to check if he was injured, he heard the voice he feared the most at that moment: "Come again!" He saw Cheng Chuqiu approaching him, executing the same move, but with a formidable internal force, leaving him no choice but to respond.

Fei Shiye took it without even looking and said, "Have someone move the items into the storeroom. If there is nothing else, you may leave!" One thing counters another; this person surnamed Luo had been arrogant and overbearing in front of Cheng Chuqiu, acting as if he were something extraordinary, but now that the Shiye had come out, he suddenly turned into a mouse.

After a few days, everyone only knew that this young man had an unknown background, but he worked diligently and was quite kind, and no one ever thought of him as a "martial arts master".

Tian Jingrong said: "Hero Cheng, we invite you to drink this pot of wine for a reason." He picked up the wine jug, filled a cup to the brim, and handed it to him, continuing, "This cup is called a toast." He filled another cup, repeated the previous action, and said, "This cup, on the other hand, is called a penalty drink. You may choose which cup you prefer."

Old Zhang has come to deliver gifts a total of two times; this time marks the third occasion. However, it is the first time I have heard the phrase "Next time, please do not go to such expense." Moreover, this is also the first time I have seen Master Fei's expression so amiable.

Zhang said: "If my family were wealthy enough to send me to school, with my intelligence and talent, I would have already topped the imperial examination. Today, it would be you two giving me gifts!" Hearing this, Hong burst into laughter and replied, "Stop daydreaming!"

Cheng Chuqiu thought to herself: "Why don't you just take me there? What a hassle." Complaints aside, she still followed that Manager Luo. Manager Luo had already heard from others that the secretary had found someone else, and perhaps he didn't think much of it, but he didn't say anything. Later, he noticed that Cheng Chuqiu had a good memory; she only needed to be taught once and she remembered all the names, which made him secretly admire the secretary's ability to recognize talent.

Not long after, the waiter brought the meal. Then, the person who had just spoken said: "Waiter, please take this pot of wine to that table, to that Master Cheng. Just say it is my treat"

As he bid farewell to the crowd, Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "Since they are in a rush, they must be short-handed, and this academy is completely unrelated to the martial arts world, so there is absolutely no risk of encountering acquaintances."

The lightness of foot exhibited by Tian Niu and the other person was not on par with that of Cheng Chu Qiu. As a result, they could no longer revolve around Cheng Chu Qiu as the center, leading to a momentary chaos in their formation. Seizing this opportunity, Cheng Chu Qiu turned the tables and began to circle around Niu Jun Fu, continuously launching attacks during the openings. Tian Jing Rong attempted to rescue several times, but he deliberately evaded her, ignoring her completely, and remained firmly focused on Niu Jun Fu.

Knowing that they were not his own brothers, he had no intention to stop and investigate further. He took a deep breath, circulating the energy within his body, exerted force with his feet, and swiftly propelled himself forward, leaving the two individuals behind far away.

The two individuals continued to talk incessantly. The one who had spoken first said, "Who says I am being delusional? Hehe, I have something wonderful that will ensure she cannot forget me, that she will be unable to choose anyone but me!" The other person, skeptical, replied, "Is that really the case? Can you cast a spell? Or perhaps use some kind of enchantment?"

That night

At that moment, faintly, a few sounds of stealthy footsteps came from afar. Cheng Chuqiu thought to herself, "Finally, they have arrived." She lowered her body even further.

Cheng Chuqiu stared at the tree for a long time, yet the maid did not come out. She thought to herself, "If that maid is accompanying the young lady to sleep, they will likely suffer together later." Suddenly, she realized, "Those two clearly intend to drug and deceive the young lady of the Xu family, but if she falls asleep first, how can the drug be administered? The items that maid just brought in must already be suspicious."

Suddenly, there was a flash before his eyes, and Cheng Chuqiu had vanished. Niu Junfu, having blocked the way, involuntarily took two steps forward. At that moment, he heard Tian Jingrong shout, "Get out of the way!" Unbeknownst to him, Tian Jingrong had already arrived in front of him.

Under the cover of night, he rushed deep into the dense forest, hoping to distance himself as much as possible from his brothers. As he ran, lost in thought, he failed to register Lu Kunshan's words about the bounty. However, as he continued running, the footsteps that had been gradually fading behind him suddenly caught up. Cheng Chuqiu listened carefully to discern who it was, thinking: "Who are these two? Such remarkable lightness of foot..."

At that moment, Cheng Chuqiu and the other two took the lead, with the rest following behind. Cheng Chuqiu exchanged names with the other two. One was surnamed Zhang and the other Hong, so Cheng Chuqiu referred to them as "Brother Zhang" and "Brother Hong".

Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself, "Just by looking at this so-called Master Xu's secretary and steward, along with these three boxes of items, it is clear that he is definitely not an honest official. I might as well hide here, enjoying the ease while also observing the character of this Xu. If he turns out to be a downright corrupt official, then there is no need to be polite."

After exchanging dozens of moves, Tian Jingrong continued to smile and said, "Fortunately, there is no wine cup beside Hero Cheng; otherwise, if we were to flick it, it would not be a trivial matter." Cheng Chuqiu, reminded by him, thought to himself, "Indeed, how did I not think of that?" However, at this moment, there was not even a wine cup, and the ground was covered in yellow earth, with not a single stone in sight. He only had two copper coins left on him; if he were to throw them as hidden weapons, he would have to hunt in the mountains for his next meal. He thought to himself, "Indeed, how did I not think of that?" However, at this moment, there was not even a wine cup, and the ground was covered in yellow earth, with not a single stone in sight. He only had two copper coins left on him; if he were to throw them as hidden weapons, he would have to hunt in the mountains for his next meal.

The foreman said, "I see that although your physique is robust, you appear quite refined. I presume you must have studied a few characters, haven't you?" Cheng Chuqiu replied, "I am quite familiar with the Hundred Family Surnames and the Thousand Character Classic."

Niu Junfu was drenched in cold sweat, yet he had to brace himself and move forward. He quickly steadied himself and made a desperate attempt to block. In that moment, he exerted all his strength, fearing that he might inadvertently cause Cheng Chuqiu, with his seemingly endless internal energy, to be struck dead.

If one does not belong to any sect and has no family business or property, martial arts almost becomes their only specialty. Thus, some become bounty hunters like Tian Jingrong and Niu Junfu, some become professional assassins, and others take on roles as bodyguards or caravan escorts.

Cheng Chuqiu stepped forward to assist the person surnamed Luo in counting the items in the box. Since it was referred to as a "gift," Cheng Chuqiu was already aware that the box contained nothing but gold, silver, and jewels. However, he still pretended to be surprised, in order to align with his current status.

The previous person chuckled twice, paused, and said mysteriously, "Once I have it in hand, I will lend it to you, and then you will know." Cheng Chuqiu's curiosity was piqued; she glanced sideways at the two and thought, "What is that thing?" Sure enough, she heard the other person also ask, "What is that thing?"

Feeling frustrated and unsure of what to do, a scene began to unfold at the distant main table. It was a performance by some younger relatives of Lord Xu, who came forward to bow and pay their respects for longevity.

Master Fei then sent someone to take him down to change his clothes. The one who came in response was the earlier mentioned Mr. Luo, who turned out to be the nephew of Chief Steward Luo, referring to him as uncle. In fact, the Luo family has been working in the Xu residence for three generations, regardless of gender, thus they hold a certain degree of influence.

Although Cheng Chuqiu was penniless and struggled to make ends meet, he never considered resorting to theft or robbery. The mere mention of a job opportunity signified a chance for a meal. Thus, he followed the path taken by the other workers and found the Yuelu Academy, which was under reconstruction. After inquiring, he located the foreman and expressed his desire to work.

The foreman clapped his hands and said, "That will do; it doesn't take a thousand words to handle this matter." He instructed the accountant to give him a few coins and asked him to go to the street to buy a new set of clothes. Rest early today and report to him first thing tomorrow morning

Cheng Chuqiu listened to this person speaking with great vigor, resembling a knowledgeable individual. He was not afraid of encountering acquaintances; rather, he feared being recognized by someone while he could not recognize them. Thus, he turned away to avoid any trouble

As soon as he finished speaking, Cheng Chuqiu suddenly slammed his palm on the table, causing two wine glasses to leap from the surface. Then, he swiftly extended his finger and flicked it towards the glasses one by one. The two glasses, propelled by the force, shot out of the door in succession. Just as the first glass exited the doorway, the second glass caught up and with a "ping-pong" sound, shattered it into pieces, scattering wine and shards all over the ground

The two exchanged bitter smiles, seemingly feeling quite aggrieved

Cheng Chuqiu suddenly realized, unable to suppress a silent laugh. As the saying goes, suspicion breeds dark phantoms, and this was perfectly exemplified in his own case. He slowly turned his head to look, only to see two muscular men whispering with their heads lowered. It was not that there was no one beside them; rather, these two spoke in very low voices and deliberately lowered their tones. Unless one was right next to them, it would be difficult to hear clearly. However, due to Cheng Chuqiu's high internal energy and strong hearing, he was able to clearly discern the content of their conversation.

Then the topic shifted, and he said: "But I haven't received my wages from the foreman over there." Old Zhang replied: "Would Boss Zhao really try to cheat you out of a few coins? If you're worried, I can bring it to you tomorrow." Cheng Chuqiu sighed in relief and said: "If that's the case, then that would be great." Suddenly, he became anxious again and said: "But we must agree on the wages here first"

Niu Junfu's actions have now tightly entangled Cheng Chuqiu, causing considerable distress. He and Tian Jingrong are not fellow disciples; rather, they share a mutual understanding and appreciation due to their compatible personalities. This led them to partner together in their adventures through the martial world. By chance, the two have also become well-known bounty hunters in the realm.

Old Zhang said, "Ah, I misspoke, I misspoke..." Master Fei laughed heartily and said, "But rest assured, go back and tell your boss that his kind intentions are well known to the authorities. Next time, there is no need to go to such expense again"

He never expected that Cheng Chuqiu had been waiting for him to make a move. After receiving two blows from Cheng Chuqiu, Niu Junfu was already in a very precarious state; whether the third blow landed on him or not, he was powerless to resist. Although Cheng Chuqiu did not have a fondness for these two individuals, there was no deep-seated enmity between them, so he had no interest in pursuing their complete destruction. With a shift in thought, he had already turned his attention to Tian Jingrong.

Although his sudden attack could be considered a sneak attack, it was also a response to the common saying that two fists cannot defeat four hands. However, Tian Niu and his companion were not entirely unprepared; in their surprise, they quickly widened the battle circle, preventing him from dealing with both of them at the same time. After a few exchanges, the mutual understanding built over more than ten years gradually gave them the upper hand. They supported each other while also providing cover, and although Cheng Chu Qiu struck fiercely from both sides, he was momentarily unable to overcome them.

One asked in a peculiar manner, while the other responded in a marvelous way, yet the meaning was conveyed. Cheng Chuqiu, seeing that he did not know either of these two individuals, lowered his head again and continued to eat his crab

Since the two were unwilling to speak openly, Cheng Chuqiu found it inappropriate to press further and simply asked, "What should I do then?" The man surnamed Zhang replied, "Oh, you can help check the guest list; it's simple and easy, and you won't have any responsibility." The man surnamed Hong laughed and said, "Who told you not to read more books? Now you come to complain, but what good does it do?"

The person's voice was deliberately lowered, as if afraid of being overheard. Cheng Chuqiu was taken aback, genuinely unsure why he had been recognized. Moreover, what this person said was clearly related to the Yao Ji murder case he was involved in in Yichun. Could it be someone he knew? Yet, he had never heard this voice before, and in his anxious state, he could not recognize it at all.

He felt relaxed, his steps slightly slower. After a short while, the footsteps of the two individuals from earlier unexpectedly sounded behind him again. Cheng Chuqiu was quite surprised and listened carefully to the footsteps and movements of these two people, confirming that they were definitely not his two senior brothers. He wondered to himself: "Who are these two individuals? Why are they in such a hurry?"

Looking around, there were quite a few individuals in the hall who were dressed similarly to the two of them. They were seated alongside some followers and lackeys, who did not require any reception. Cheng Chuqiu naturally did not interact with them, and thus was unaware that these two figures were present in the banquet hall

As they were lighting the candles, the man with the surname Zhang suddenly turned back, followed by an elderly gentleman with a white beard. Cheng Chuqiu only heard the man with the surname Zhang pointing to the spot where he was standing and saying, "Right here." The old man with the white beard squinted as he approached. The man with the surname Luo stepped back a bit and called out, "Master Fei!"

Then the man with the surname Zhang stepped forward and said, "Master, this time the official... is he satisfied?" Master Fei replied, "Old Zhang, today is our master's fiftieth birthday. You all must have heard this news from somewhere and brought gifts on your own. This... has nothing to do with our master!"

Cheng Chuqiu quickly glanced at the two individuals again, but found that their appearances were not particularly remarkable, and their physiques were no different from those of ordinary people. If not for a special memory, he feared he would not recognize them if he encountered them on the street next time. However, he had already heard about the reputation of these two individuals; aside from their nickname "Want Money, No Shame," they were known for being harsh and ungrateful, which was often mentioned by others.

Cheng Chuqiu took the money and originally thought: "I am just hiding here to earn a little travel money, not to settle down and make a living. Although this amount is not much, it is enough for me to find another place. I might as well leave today!"

Old Zhang pulled Cheng Chuqiu aside and earnestly advised him to work hard and be diligent, assuring him that the matter of wages would be taken care of by him. Hearing this, Cheng Chuqiu readily agreed, and only then did he leave with the person surnamed Hong, along with the others.

However, such a pleasant scene did not last long; suddenly the wind ceased, the trees stood still, and all was silent. Remarkably, even the chirping of insects and the sounds of nature came to a halt.

Cheng Chuqiu chuckled a few times and said, "You two are neither related to me nor acquainted with me, so why should I offer you such a cheap job?"

Cheng Chuqiu shook his head repeatedly, sneering to himself: "This Miss Xu is indeed quite attractive, but how can she be as good as you all say?" Just then, he suddenly heard someone beside him whisper: "This girl has delicate skin and fair flesh, she looks quite good. What do you think? Are you interested?"

The four palms met, producing a relatively muffled sound this time, followed by a "bang". Niu Junfu staggered backward repeatedly, while Cheng Chuqiu instead took a step forward.

The middle-aged man with a slightly receding hairline glanced at the items behind the three individuals and said, "There seems to be quite a lot of things. What are they?" The man surnamed Zhang took out a list of gifts from his pocket, handed it over, and replied, "Just some small trinkets, not worthy of respect."

With no way forward, Cheng Chuqiu finally stopped to rest. Looking back, there was not a single shadow in sight. While feeling content, he was also quite hungry. Thus, he followed the river downstream, searching for something to eat. Before long, he arrived at a small town market, but when he checked his pockets, he could only find a few copper coins.

While in the midst of eating, two individuals entered the restaurant and sat down at a table by the door. A waiter approached them. One of the individuals said: "Just two bowls of plain rice, some fish and meat, but most importantly, bring a good pot of wine."

Cheng Chuqiu stepped aside, and at that moment, the bamboo curtain in the back hall was lifted, revealing two young ladies walking out, one in front of the other. Judging by their attire, the one in front appeared to be a maid, while the one behind was a young lady. The young lady at the back stepped forward gracefully and bowed, saying: "May Father be blessed with fortune as vast as the East Sea and live a long life without end." Cheng Chuqiu thought to himself: "So she is the daughter of Lord Xu."

After Miss Xu kowtowed to her father, she immediately returned to the inner hall. The flattery and sycophantic words from the guests in the main hall surged in like a tide from all directions, all proclaiming that Lord Xu was fortunate, and that his daughter was graceful and elegant, surely destined to find a good match. At that moment, someone suggested helping to arrange a marriage, mentioning how the sons of certain officials and generals were, and even more claimed that certain royal relatives and noble sons were also seeking brides. With the young lady's beauty, she would undoubtedly be able to ascend to a higher status and transform into a phoenix. Hearing this, Lord Xu could not help but smile broadly, unable to contain his joy for a long time.

The two performers sang a duet for a while, feeling it was uninteresting, and then stopped. They exchanged glances and simultaneously stood up, walking towards Cheng Chuqiu, sitting down at the same table, one on the left and the other on the right. Cheng Chuqiu showed no reaction, as if he could not see the two at all.

Cheng Chuqiu took a deep breath and shouted, "Come again!" as he struck with both palms. Niu Junfu was taken aback; he had just exerted eighty percent of his strength in that last strike. Although he could not prevail, he managed to withstand it. However, to exert force again, he needed a moment to catch his breath. Cheng Chuqiu, astonishingly, was able to strike again immediately after inhaling, even managing to speak. The disparity in their abilities was evident. Just as Niu Junfu's mind shifted, Cheng Chuqiu's palms were already upon him, prompting him to hold his breath and brace for impact once more. Cheng Chuqiu astonishingly was able to strike again immediately after inhaling, even managing to speak. The disparity in their abilities was evident. Just as Niu Junfu's mind shifted, Cheng Chuqiu's palms were already upon him, prompting him to hold his breath and brace for impact once more.

That afternoon, he arrived at the foot of Yuelu Mountain. He had long heard of the Huiguang Temple built during the Jin Dynasty, which has a history of seven to eight hundred years, making it a thousand-year-old ancient temple. He had no money with him, and it would have been just right to seek lodging at the temple. However, such a renowned monastery attracted many travelers, and he might encounter acquaintances.

Then Niu Junfu saw Tian Jingrong's body fly out like a paper kite, and with a loud shout, he rushed forward and extended his arms to embrace her. Tian Jingrong let out a "Wow" and spat blood all over his chest.

Cheng Chuqiu then loosened his steps and ran wildly for a while, only to see the scenery around him continuously receding. The night wind brushed against his face, alleviating much of his worries. Moreover, he felt that his lightness skill seemed to have improved, which, while bringing him comfort, also allowed him to forget some unpleasantness.

Old Zhang was overjoyed, saying: "Thank you, thank you..." He led Hong Cheng and the other person to take their leave. Then, Master Fei looked at Cheng Chu Qiu and suddenly said: "This young man is quite handsome; is he also working under Boss Zhao?" He scrutinized him from head to toe.

The foreman, seeing that he appeared respectable and did not resemble a deceitful person, deemed him to have passed the first round of interviews. Most importantly, the construction site was under pressure to meet deadlines and was in need of labor. While he might not be able to handle skilled tasks, he could certainly try his hand at the rough work of carrying bricks and soil. After negotiating the terms, Cheng Chuqiu started work that very night. Naturally, he mingled with the ordinary workers and made an effort to behave like everyone else, refraining from drawing too much attention to himself.

The three boxes brought by Cheng Chuqiu and the others were lined up in front of a warehouse door. The porters set down their loads and then went to the side to rest. The three of them approached, and the one with the surname Hong opened the lids of the boxes one by one, while the one with the surname Luo came over with a list.

He deliberately let out a sharp whistle to remind the two that he was not afraid of them. Then, he took a deep breath and set off, striding forward at a rapid pace. This time, he was fully focused and did not pause at all. Moreover, he wanted to take the opportunity to test his endurance, so he ran straight out of the woods without stopping.

Cheng Chuqiu observed the gazes of the two individuals and realized that the more they spoke, the more restless they became, absolutely unable to endure waiting another night. Thus, he secretly discovered the location of Miss Xu's boudoir. After sending off the guests, he turned around, changed his clothes, and found a spot with a broad view on a large tree outside Miss Xu's door, where he concealed himself.

Manager Luo then handed the list of gifts to another person and took someone with the surname Zhang along. The other person, holding the list, asked someone with the surname Hong, "Who will check this with me?" The person with the surname Hong pointed to Cheng Chuqiu and said, "This is our brother Cheng." The other person replied, "Alright, let's go."

Another person chuckled, "One indulgence is enough; do you really think, my friend, that you want to take her home?" The first person also laughed, "No need to take her home, but if I can't find any other good options for a while, it wouldn't hurt to pass the time with her." "Aren't you just like the old emperor then?" "Not at all; didn't you hear that someone just now wanted to help recommend her to be sent to the palace? Hahaha..." "Hahaha..."

One of them said, "What? Is this wine too inferior to enter the mouth of the great hero Cheng?" Cheng Chuqiu had a flash of inspiration and replied, "Is it you two?" The other person among the two grinned and said, "Indeed, it is us two."

On that night, the Xu residence set up more than thirty tables, and he was indeed assigned to the side of the main entrance, assisting in guiding guests to their respective tables. Of course, several individuals were responsible for this task, and Cheng Chuqiu was in charge of the guests who were relatively peripheral, holding a lower status.

Cheng Chuqiu took into consideration that the three brothers were all talented young men, excelling in knowledge, capability, character, and martial arts, each being a top choice of their time. He truly did not wish for them to be embroiled in unnecessary conflicts of the martial world due to his personal matters, which would hinder their promising futures

However, the remaining money is still insufficient for him to sustain himself with simple meals for another two days. When it comes to long-term planning, it truly requires careful consideration. Strolling to the riverbank, he observed the rushing river, where several fishermen were early in the morning organizing their fishing gear and nets, preparing to set sail. Suddenly, the phrase "contentment with circumstances" came to his mind, so he approached the fishermen to negotiate, offering a few coins to request their assistance in ferrying him across the river.

He ridiculed himself, yet could not muster a smile. After a while, the shadows on the window of Miss Xu's room began to sway, and the lights soon followed, extinguishing.

Encountering these two individuals here unexpectedly is not particularly significant. However, the fact that they pursued me all night yesterday suggests that their motives are likely not as simple as merely seeking justice for a perceived wrong. Moreover, this behavior does not align with their personalities.

Niu Junfu was greatly alarmed, not daring to pause even for a moment, and hurriedly rushed forward without looking back, leaving a long trail of blood on the ground

To reveal this skill, one must possess considerable mastery in internal strength, finesse, and precision. Especially as the two wine glasses are flicked off the table, not a single drop of liquid spills before they shatter, Tian Niu and his companion exchange glances, feeling a sense of inadequacy within themselves

Cheng Chuqiu was also waiting for him to say this. As soon as Niu Junfu stepped aside as instructed, he immediately struck with a palm, aiming directly at Tian Jingrong's side. In order to avoid Niu Junfu, Tian Jingrong used his right palm to deflect the attack, but he was unable to counter it at all. At this moment, he had no other choice but to extend his left palm to block the strike.

Cheng Chuqiu glanced at the clothes he was wearing and thought to himself: "So I am just a doorman." However, he heard Master Fei continue to remind him: "Tonight's guests, although they are all prominent figures, still have differences in status. It is essential to know who should sit where; not a single detail can be overlooked. Soon, Xiao Luo will take you to find Manager Luo, who will inform you of each person's seating arrangement."

The daily economic sources of martial artists generally come from the support of their sects or associations. Those who practice martial arts have modest living requirements, and an overly affluent lifestyle can hinder their training and cultivation. Therefore, if one belongs to a sect, their daily life will not be lacking.

As for theft, deception, abduction, and robbery, generally speaking, these are actions that martial artists disdain to engage in, especially as their skills improve. This is particularly true when force is applied to someone who lacks martial arts abilities, which is looked down upon by all peers. Therefore, even if they fall to the level of resorting to theft, deception, abduction, and robbery, they mostly adhere to certain boundaries and may even develop personal principles for committing crimes, with many of these individuals being habitual offenders

The two individuals complied with the order and called for Cheng Chuqiu to join them. The three of them passed through the under-construction lobby and arrived at the front courtyard, where they saw six people waiting. Upon seeing the three emerge, they paired up, one in front and one behind, and began to lift the wooden boxes at their feet with a pair of bamboo poles. Cheng Chuqiu noticed that the bamboo poles, which were tied with ropes to secure the wooden boxes, bent like bows between the shoulders of the two men. The three wooden boxes were not large, each could easily be embraced by a single person, thus he inferred that the contents of the boxes were quite heavy, but certainly not stones. Cheng Chuqiu noticed that the bamboo poles, which were tied with ropes to secure the wooden boxes, bent like bows between the shoulders of the two men. The three wooden boxes were not large, each could easily be embraced by a single person, thus he inferred that the contents of the boxes were quite heavy, but certainly not stones.

Although Niu Junfu was still using his own martial arts, Cheng Chuqiu sensed this subtle change. Almost simultaneously, he halted, extended both palms, and pressed towards Niu Junfu. Caught off guard, Niu Junfu hurriedly defended himself, and with a "bang," both retreated a step.

Master Fei chuckled and said, "I call you foolish, yet you are quite clever." It was agreed that he would have all meals provided and accommodation, receiving thirty-five coins a day. This amount was nearly double that of a laborer's wage, and Cheng Chuqiu happily agreed.

Tian Jingrong said: "No, no, no. Given your skills, one thousand taels of silver is too stingy. However, business has been quite slow in recent months, and funds are becoming increasingly tight. I know this deal carries high risks and slim profits, yet I have no choice but to push forward with it."

The two individuals became increasingly cheerful in their conversation, and when they spoke of lewd matters, their laughter took on a different tone. Those nearby assumed that the two had been drinking, indulging in drunken revelry, and no one paid it any mind. Unbeknownst to them, Cheng Chuqiu was observing them with a cold gaze, already formulating a plan in her mind

The porters accompanying Mr. Hong were instructed to first set down their burdens and take a rest. After a while, the door opened again, and a middle-aged man with a slightly receding hairline stepped out. Mr. Zhang approached to greet him.

Cheng Chuqiu shouted, "Come again!" With a point of his toes, he struck out with both palms once more. Niu Junfu, feeling helpless, had no choice but to take the hit. This time, both exerted even greater force, and with a loud "bang," Cheng Chuqiu stepped back one pace, while Niu Junfu retreated three paces

The old man with a white beard nodded, glanced into the box, and said, "Is everything ready?" The one surnamed Luo replied, "Everything is ready." He handed over the list of gifts.

This third strike is merely a feint, intended to lure Tian Jingrong into coming to the rescue. As Cheng Chuqiu waits for him to approach from behind, he suddenly crouches down and hides behind Niu Junfu. Tian Jingrong fears that his strike may not be swift or forceful enough to compel Cheng Chuqiu to withdraw his hand and come to the rescue. Little did he expect that Cheng would hide behind Niu Junfu. Seeing that his strike is about to hit Niu Junfu, in a moment of urgency, he tilts his upper arm, angling his palm to avoid hitting his own people, while simultaneously calling out, "Get out of the way!"

Master Fei's expression was one of disdain as he said, "How much can one earn from working? Let's do this: the government office is quite busy these days, so let him come here to help. If he performs well, perhaps he can even stay on!" Cheng Chuqiu quickly expressed his gratitude, saying, "There is no need for that..."

If that is the case, then the person before me possesses a substance that is somewhat similar. Since both sides have stated that the formulation is difficult, the medicine on him might very well be what Lady Yao mistakenly ingested that day. Even if it is not the same type, there should be a considerable degree of correlation.