Chapter 40

Early in the morning, after practicing Iron Shirt and having breakfast, Chen Ping'an headed to the Nanquan Lane Town Guard Office for his shift.

Today's pre-shift meeting was attended by all five shift leaders, as Deputy Constable Tian Fuliang was also present.

Tian Fuliang, who was speaking on the platform, seemed to be in a good mood.

The wanted notices from the South City Town Guard Office had only been issued a short while ago, and Nanquan Lane had already eliminated the Green Fish Gang remnant, Patchy Fish. Reporting this to the South City Town Guard Office was a great honor.

Tian Fuliang still remembered how the shift leader and deputy shift leader of Green Willow Lane had turned green with envy when he reported the news yesterday.

"Zheng Shiyong and Tan Huacong worked together to eliminate the Green Fish Gang remnant, Patchy Fish. Zheng Shiyong delivered the final blow and is credited with a medium merit, rewarded with ten taels of silver. Tan Huacong provided crucial assistance and is credited with two minor merits, rewarded with five taels of silver. Chen Ping'an provided effective leads and is credited with a minor merit, rewarded with five taels of silver."

Tian Fuliang announced the results of the bounty rewards.

"Zheng Shiyong, Tan Huacong, and Chen Ping'an, you are all elite members of Nanquan Lane! I am very pleased," Tian Fuliang praised the three of them lavishly. "Especially Zheng Shiyong, who has only recently joined our Nanquan Lane Town Guard Office and has already made such a significant contribution! The matter of his registration has been reported to the South City Town Guard Office. I have high hopes for you! Your future potential is limitless!"

Tian Fuliang's words made Zheng Shiyong ecstatic.

Being praised by Tian Fuliang in front of so many constables was an unparalleled honor. With Tian Fuliang leading the way, the surrounding constables also didn't hold back their compliments. The flood of praise made Zheng Shiyong feel as if he were floating on air.

"It is all thanks to the guidance of Constable Tian, Deputy Constable Tian, and all the shift leaders that I have been able to achieve this merit."

Zheng Shiyong's face was flushed with pride, his voice loud and clear.

"Good, very good," Tian Fuliang was very satisfied with Zheng Shiyong's response. This young man knew how to handle himself and could be nurtured!

Zheng Zhenwu, standing behind Tian Fuliang, was also in a good mood. Zheng Shiyong's success brought him honor as well.

Tan Huacong stood among the constables, smiling broadly.

With Zheng Shiyong taking the lead, he had merely fabricated a story and gained two minor merits without any risk. It seemed that Chen Ping'an had come to his senses!

Thinking this, Tan Huacong glanced at the corner where Chen Ping'an was standing. The young man's face was calm, his eyes deep, as if lost in thought.

The bounty commendation ceremony at the Nanquan Lane Town Guard Office concluded smoothly. Before leaving, Tian Fuliang called Zheng Shiyong aside for a private conversation.

"Ping'an, the five taels of silver reward has been issued! Come on, treat us to a meal!"

Houzi said excitedly, as if he himself had received the five taels of silver.

"Alright, I'll treat you," Chen Ping'an smiled.

"Five taels of silver! That's several months' salary! I'm going to make you pay for this. Hmm, let me think..." Houzi pretended to ponder deeply.

"Dashan, what about you? What do you want to eat?" Chen Ping'an asked.

"Anything is fine," Dashan replied with a simple smile.

The atmosphere was relaxed as the group left the Nanquan Lane Town Guard Office.

Throughout the morning, Houzi had been boasting about making Chen Ping'an pay for a lavish meal. But when noon came, they ended up eating a bowl of noodles.

Chen Ping'an had wanted to treat them to something better, but Houzi insisted on eating at a noodle stall they passed, claiming it was fate. Dashan chimed in as well, and in the end, they settled for a bowl of noodles.

While eating, Houzi made a big show of declaring that he would bankrupt Chen Ping'an. He even boldly ordered an extra-large portion of noodles with a big piece of pork chop.

A few days after the pre-shift meeting, Zheng Shiyong's registration was officially approved by the South City Town Guard Office.

Zheng Shiyong, a temporary constable of the Nanquan Lane Town Guard Office, had his name officially registered, promoting him to a full constable.

He was granted a saber, which he no longer had to return after his shift, giving him the right to carry it at all times. He also received a waist token to prove his official constable status. Additionally, he was awarded the Thirteen Sabers of the Public Gate.

Zheng Shiyong's temporary constable uniform was replaced with the official constable attire: a green robe with a narrow-sleeved, long gown, tied at the waist with a red sash. Standing among the constables, he looked quite impressive.

Many temporary constables were envious, crowding around Zheng Shiyong. Even the seasoned official constables showed signs of wanting to befriend him.

In terms of status, Zheng Shiyong was now on equal footing with them. Moreover, not only did he have connections with Shift Leader Zheng, but he had also gained the favor of Deputy Constable Tian Fuliang in recent days. His future prospects were bright!

Given time, he might even become a high-ranking shift leader in the Nanquan Lane Town Guard Office.

However, all of this had nothing to do with Chen Ping'an.

Official constable...

Chen Ping'an's mood remained unaffected. He continued patrolling with Houzi and Dashan, practicing Iron Shirt as usual.

Over the next few days, Chen Ping'an lived a very fulfilling life. He even had a rest day, allowing him to accumulate a few extra points of Iron Shirt experience.

One evening, Chen Ping'an was practicing Iron Shirt in his small courtyard.

A familiar experience symbol appeared before his eyes.

"Success!"

Seeing the faint plus sign on the panel, Chen Ping'an's face lit up with joy.

Without hesitation, he focused his mind and tapped on the plus sign.

Whoosh~

The experience points swirled, and specks of starlight flowed toward his brow.

The familiar sensation returned, and a flood of complex information poured into his mind.

The insights and experiences related to Iron Shirt felt as if they had been gained through relentless daily practice, real combat, and personal reflection.

Everything felt natural!

Name: Chen Ping'an

Realm: Peak of the second level of Qi and Blood

Martial Arts: Iron Shirt, Perfection

The changes in Chen Ping'an weren't just limited to his understanding of Iron Shirt. His qi, blood, and skin also underwent transformations. At this moment, Chen Ping'an's qi and blood were abundant, and his strength had increased again. His skin, already as tough as cowhide, became even more resilient, as if two layers of thick cowhide had been stacked together.

Iron Shirt at perfection! Peak of the second level of Qi and Blood!

Little Tiger of the Tiger Head Gang was also at the peak of the second level of Qi and Blood.

In less than a month, Chen Ping'an had gone from an ordinary person with no martial arts training to matching Little Tiger's level.

Among the constables of Nanquan Lane, Chen Ping'an's strength had reached the pinnacle, representing the peak of official constables. Beyond this was the level of shift leaders.

"It's been a few days. Now that I've reached the peak of the second level of Qi and Blood, it's time to visit the black market."

Chen Ping'an wiped himself down and put on the clothes he had prepared earlier.

With Iron Shirt at perfection and no new martial arts techniques to practice, his martial arts progress would stagnate. With this in mind, Chen Ping'an had made preparations in advance.

Five nights ago, he had visited the black market, spending considerable effort to find a suitable channel. Within his limited budget, he had ordered a handwritten copy of a lower-tier martial arts manual.

If not for his limited funds, Chen Ping'an would have preferred to buy a martial arts manual from a reputable store in the city.

That way, he could practice martial arts openly.

But alas!

He didn't have enough money!

Compared to the exorbitant prices of martial arts manuals in the city's stores, the black market was undoubtedly more cost-effective!

The agreed transaction time was tonight.