Chapter 16

Name: Chen Ping'an

Realm: Qi and Blood, First Level

Martial Arts: Iron Cloth Shirt - Beginner (14/15)

Chen Ping'an looked at the panel information that appeared before him, feeling excited.

Finally!

Seven consecutive days of relentless practice had brought his Iron Cloth Shirt's experience to 14.

He only needed to practice it once more tonight, and he would be able to push Iron Cloth Shirt into the Minor Accomplishment stage.

What kind of transformation would the Minor Accomplishment stage bring!? Could it directly propel his martial arts realm to the peak of Qi and Blood First Level!?

Today was already the ninth day. There was only one day left until the ten-day grace period granted by Little Tiger Lord for repaying the money.

Tomorrow afternoon, or perhaps even tomorrow morning, Little Tiger Lord would personally come to collect the silver.

Coincidentally, tomorrow was also his one-day-off in ten days.

"Just wait until tonight!"

As Chen Er'ya bid him farewell, Chen Ping'an stepped out of his house with confidence.

In the past few days, he had bought paper and ink, making all necessary preparations. Now, everything was just waiting for tonight.

Upon arriving at the Nanquan Alley Patrol Office, he found that several groups of constables had already gathered in small clusters. He noticed that a small group had formed around Zheng Shiyong, with him faintly becoming its center—an indication that he had officially established his own circle.

"That was fast!"

Chen Ping'an sighed inwardly.

With over a hundred constables in Nanquan Alley Patrol Office, there were naturally different cliques. Generally, only official constables could become the core of a circle, while temporary constables were merely supporting figures or background fillers.

It wasn't that everyone liked it this way—it was just that sometimes, when you were in the system, you had no choice.

Even Chen Ping'an, Houzi, and Da Shan had their own small circle, with Qin Head as their leader.

However, Qin Head rarely appeared—this was a fact!

Only one constable leader was present today: Constable Li. He was usually taciturn and not fond of speaking.

So, today's pre-patrol briefing was simple. It didn't take long before it was over.

"Tiger Run Alley!?"

Hearing Houzi announce their patrol area for the day, Chen Ping'an was a little surprised.

Tiger Run Alley was the stronghold of the Tiger Head Gang. It was only two streets away from Pear Blossom Alley.

The alley was a hub for lending and gambling, where small-time wagers of a few coins and high-stakes gambles of several taels coexisted. There were various establishments catering to different levels of gamblers.

Since ancient times, gambling houses had always been places where good and bad people mixed together. Rogues, ruffians, and gang members frequently lurked around.

Such a place was not easy to patrol. It seemed that there wouldn't be much time for slacking off today.

Sure enough, not long after Chen Ping'an, Houzi, and Da Shan started their patrol, they came across a fight.

At the corner of an alley, several thugs were surrounding a man, beating him with fists and kicks. The man was crouched against the wall, clutching his head while letting out occasional cries of pain.

"Please, lords, stop hitting me! I'll pay, I'll pay for sure!"

"You bastard! You dared to borrow money from the Tiger Head Gang and then try to run? Do you think we're fools!?"

The leading thug shouted ferociously, stomping heavily on the man's body as he spoke.

"Sixth Master, I was wrong! I won't do it again!"

"Again!? You think you'll get another chance!?"

The thugs were violent and ruthless.

"Stop!"

Seeing this scene, as a constable of Nanquan Alley Patrol Office, Houzi naturally stepped forward to stop them.

"Where did this blind fool come from to meddle in the Tiger Head Gang's business!?"

The leading thug sneered coldly, turning his head to see who dared to interfere.

As soon as he turned, he saw three constables dressed in black uniforms, hands resting on their sword hilts, their expressions stern—ready to draw their weapons at any moment.

"Oh, it's a few constables from the Patrol Office."

Realizing they were constables, the thug's sneer faded slightly, but there was no hint of fear in his voice.

Within a few seconds, he had already assessed the situation. There were no official constables present, only a few temporary ones.

"Tiger Head Gang…"

Seeing the insignia on the men's clothes, Houzi's face slightly changed.

Their status as constables might intimidate ordinary street thugs, but against a gang of this size, their authority had its limits.

However, since they had already stepped in, there was no backing down now.

"We are constables patrolling the streets! Cease immediately!"

Houzi sternly commanded. Beside him, Chen Ping'an and Da Shan also stepped forward in sync.

They had practiced such coordination several times before and were quite familiar with the routine.

However, Houzi's command had no effect. The thugs continued their beating as if they hadn't heard anything.

"The constables have spoken. Stop now."

The leading thug smirked as he spoke to his men. Only then did the thugs finally halt their assault.

"Lords, this man borrowed three taels of silver from the Tiger Head Gang and lost it all in a gambling house. When we came to collect, he kept making excuses. Paying back debts is only natural, right? Giving him a beating to vent our anger is nothing out of the ordinary. I trust the constables will understand."

The lead thug cupped his hands in a mock gesture of respect. As he spoke, he seemed to suddenly recognize Chen Ping'an.

"Well, isn't this the young master of the Chen family? What a coincidence, running into you here."

This thug was none other than Liu'er, who had followed Little Tiger Lord that day—the same man who had slammed his palm onto the wooden table, sending bone broth splattering and knocking five-spice pork belly out of the bowl.

Clang!

Suddenly, Houzi drew his saber, pointing it straight at the group, shouting with authority.

"Who are you calling 'Chen family's brat'!? Call him Lord Chen!"

His reaction startled Da Shan beside him. Despite his large build, he was not particularly bold and hadn't expected Houzi to react so fiercely.

Even Chen Ping'an turned slightly, casting a glance at him.

He hadn't expected this wiry fellow to have such a loud voice.

Seeing Houzi draw his weapon, Liu'er's eyelid twitched slightly.

"My mistake, that was my fault—I spoke too carelessly."

Liu'er grinned without warmth as he looked into Houzi's eyes.

Then, turning to the middle-aged man crouched on the ground, he said:

"Tomorrow! If you still haven't repaid the debt by tomorrow, we'll personally come and collect it. I heard that your chubby little son is quite a fair-skinned, handsome boy."

"Boys, let's show some respect to the constables today and leave it at that. Let's go."

Liu'er then led his men away.

"Constables, please make way."

Houzi, still gripping his saber, moved aside with a cold expression.

"Lord Chen, Little Tiger Lord has been merciful, granting you a ten-day extension. If I recall correctly, tomorrow is the last day. So? Have you gathered the fourteen taels? If not, your little sister…"

As Liu'er passed by Chen Ping'an, he paused slightly, leaving these words behind.

Chen Ping'an sharply raised his head, locking eyes with a pair of amused, mocking eyes.

"That's none of your concern!"

"Well then…"

Liu'er studied Chen Ping'an's expression. But he didn't see the reaction he was expecting—only a pair of deep, unfathomable eyes.

"See you tomorrow, Lord Chen."