Chapter 14

Three constables dressed in the black uniforms of the Town Patrol Division, armed with blades, strode imposingly down Baishi Alley, occasionally met with respectful and wary glances from the bystanders.

Since ancient times, common folk have avoided conflicts with officials!

To ordinary people, even an unregistered temporary constable was someone to be feared and respected.

"The temporary constables who came before were never introduced with such pomp! Calling it an introduction is just an excuse—it's clearly a public display of status and connections!"

"Besides, the constables who get to follow a division head around are almost always officially registered ones. I've been in the Town Patrol Division for over two years, and I've never enjoyed that kind of privilege. But this Zheng Shiyong, a complete newcomer, is already getting such special treatment—it's obvious they're paving the way for his future!"

"Honestly, if not for the Zheng Division Head's influence, how could this Zheng Shiyong be getting all this today?"

"Comparing oneself to others is infuriating! Absolutely infuriating!"

Houzi muttered resentfully the entire way, his face full of indignation.

Among them, he had the longest tenure in the Nanquan Alley Town Patrol Division. If he had a background like Zheng Shiyong's, he might already be an officially registered constable by now.

"Enough, Houzi. Keep your voice down. If someone with ill intentions overhears, you might land yourself in trouble," Chen Ping'an advised.

"Hmph! Let them hear if they want. I'm only speaking the truth—what's the harm in that?"

Houzi spoke boldly, though whether it was due to Chen Ping'an's persuasion or some other reason, he soon changed the topic and stopped grumbling about Zheng Shiyong.

Chen Ping'an shook his head slightly at this.

This Houzi...

Truth be told, Chen Ping'an naturally felt envious of the grand introduction Zheng Shiyong received upon arrival.

But he knew that envy was useless!

In this world, status had to be fought for!

Whether by strength or by connections!

Old Chen had already passed away—there was no one for him to rely on but himself!

And for Chen Erya, he was the only one she could depend on!

As they patrolled the streets, Chen Ping'an's thoughts churned. Each shift in his mindset only made his resolve grow stronger. And with that firm resolve, his entire being exuded a different kind of energy.

That day's patrol remained peaceful and uneventful.

At noon, after filling their stomachs at the Town Patrol Division, they followed the usual routine of finding a spot to rest for a while. Since Baishi Alley was mainly residential, with few shops and merchants, it wasn't a critical area. As a result, their break time was even longer than usual.

Among the many streets in Nanquan Alley, Baishi Alley was undoubtedly one of the more relaxed ones.

"Little One, Brother is home!"

As soon as Chen Ping'an stepped inside, he was greeted by the fragrant aroma of food.

"Brother's back!"

Chen Erya was busy in the kitchen and didn't come out to greet him.

Entering the kitchen, Chen Ping'an saw a pot of milky-white beef bone soup simmering, bubbling with heat, and emitting a mouthwatering fragrance.

Just off duty, his stomach was growling with hunger. Smelling such a rich and delicious aroma, how could he resist?

He was about to ask for a bowl to taste when Chen Erya, still stirring the wok, spoke up.

"Brother, you must be hungry. I made some wheat pancakes this afternoon. You can eat some to tide you over—they're in the cupboard."

During a break between cooking, Chen Erya gestured toward the cupboard.

"Little One, you're the best!"

Chen Ping'an beamed.

Where else could one find such a thoughtful and considerate little sister?

If this were his past life, girls Erya's age would still be pampered darlings in their families, doted on and loved. How could they be so considerate?

The world…

Thinking of this, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but feel a pang of heartache.

"Brother, why are you standing there? They're on the third shelf of the cupboard!"

Seeing him in a daze, Chen Erya urged him.

Snapping out of it, Chen Ping'an responded and retrieved a plate of wheat pancakes from the cupboard.

These wheat pancakes were a common homemade dish, made by mixing egg liquid and wheat flour thoroughly with a pinch of salt. After heating a suitable amount of fragrant oil in a pan until it just started to smoke, the batter was poured in and fried.

Finally, a handful of chopped scallions was added for aroma, and the wheat pancakes were ready to serve.

"They smell amazing!"

Looking at the golden, crispy pancakes in front of him, Chen Ping'an couldn't help but praise them.

"Little One's cooking skills never disappoint!"

The pancakes were still warm, meaning Chen Erya had timed them precisely to be ready when he returned. Her attention to detail was truly remarkable.

As he ate the wheat pancakes, warmth and satisfaction filled his heart.

Ever since he started training in Iron Cloth, his appetite had grown significantly.

He had eaten plenty at the Town Patrol Division during the day, but now he was ravenous again.

Clearly, having officially stepped into the first stage of martial arts, the Qi and Blood First Realm, his qi and blood were surging more than before, causing greater energy consumption.

And this was just the beginning—once he reached the peak of the First Realm, wouldn't he be starving halfway through his patrol shifts?

Chen Ping'an mused inwardly.

Of course!

Even though he ate plenty of rice, most of it was paired with simple vegetables and lacked much nourishment. If he wanted to properly replenish his body and qi, he needed real sustenance—meat!

No wonder the division heads had separate meal standards from the regular constables!

Now, Chen Ping'an could understand why the Town Patrol Division had such rules in place.

If he, just at the First Realm, was already experiencing this, what about the division heads, many of whom were at the Third Realm? If they ate the same small meals as the regular constables, how could they possibly sustain themselves?

Sizzle!

Oil splattered in the pan as Chen Erya tossed in slices of raw beef.

The beef hit the hot pan, and she expertly stirred it.

In went the green peppers, in went the salt, in went the seasonings—

Soon, a fragrant, slightly spicy stir-fry of beef with green peppers was ready.

"Brother, dinner is ready!"

Chen Erya called out.

"Coming!"

Chen Ping'an responded, and the two siblings brought their dishes to the table.

Tonight's meal: stir-fried beef with green peppers, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, a large bowl of beef bone soup, half a plate of wheat pancakes, and two bowls of steaming white rice.

"Little One, the water in the vat is running low. I'll go fetch some."

After finishing his meal, Chen Ping'an patted his stomach in satisfaction.

"I was planning to get water tomorrow morning. Brother, just focus on your martial arts training!"

Chen Erya tried to dissuade him.

To her, these were simple household chores she could handle on her own. If she could avoid troubling her brother, she would.

"The water's still enough for another two days, so I didn't fetch any today," she explained.

"It's fine. I can use the walk to help with digestion!"

Chen Ping'an smiled.

Fetching water took at most ten trips for him. If Chen Erya went, she'd have to make twice as many trips or more, and with her small arms and legs, she'd likely be exhausted afterward.

With that, he grabbed the carrying pole, picked up two wooden buckets, and headed outside.