Giving money to a gambler is like throwing water into the ocean.

---

"Shan Wenlong is a notorious bandit who was previously active around Yeliang Lake. He later killed a member of a prominent family and escaped here while being pursued. Not long ago, old Fang and the others finally caught up with him, but he managed to slip away. Brother Zhong, you must be careful. If it gets too dangerous, just stay in the yamen; no one knows if he will seek revenge on you."

Old Liu from the archives spoke while pulling out Shan Wenlong's file, which detailed some of the crimes he committed over the years.

"What's his strength? What level of cultivation does he have?"

"He's at the seventh rank of martial arts, the Bone Tempering stage. His practiced martial art is the 'Red Snake Leg.' This technique primarily focuses on leg techniques. When mastered, the body moves like a pine tree and the legs like a snake, allowing for fluid movement without disturbance. He excels in agility and long-distance running, which is why he managed to escape from old Fang and the others." Old Liu explained.

Zhong Lin took the file and examined it carefully. From the descriptions, it was clear that Shan Wenlong was ruthless and vengeful, known for his short dagger called the Fish Intestine Blade. Coupled with his 'Red Snake Leg' technique, he was formidable, which was a major reason he could evade capture.

After reading the file, Zhong Lin's expression darkened further. A seventh-rank Bone Tempering practitioner.

At this point, Zhong Lin was no longer the naive newcomer he once was; he had a solid understanding of the martial arts system its lower ranks.

The ninth rank, Skin Refinement: at this stage, one possesses the strength of 180 kg, making their skin as tough as leather, impervious to arrows.

The eighth rank, Muscle Change: one possesses the strength of 300 kg, with strong tendons and explosive power, leading to quick movements.

The seventh rank, Bone Tempering: one possesses the strength of 600 kg, with bones as hard as steel and immense power.

Zhong Lin had practiced the 'Iron Mountain Strength Technique' for only half a month. Even with the system's help and the daily intake of Eight-Treasure Blood Nourishing Soup, he had only reached the threshold of Skin Refinement.

Faced with a seventh-rank Bone Tempering expert, it would be like throwing an egg against a rock; the only option was to escape.

"There's no need to worry too much. Right now, Shan Wenlong is probably like a startled bird. He's likely already fled Heishan County, so the chances of him seeking revenge on you are slim. Not everyone is as unfortunate as Zhu Yu."

Zhu Yu, as Old Liu mentioned, was Zhong Lin's predecessor, the painter whose family was wiped out by an escaped convict.

Zhong Lin forced a smile: "Don't worry, I still value my life."

After returning the file, Zhong Lin stepped out of the archives.

"Brother Zhong, I'm in urgent need of money. Can you lend me two taels of silver?" 

Just around the corner, he bumped into Chi Yan, who was sitting on a stone bench, looking bored, and immediately approached him.

Zhong Lin frowned slightly: "Brother Chi, you still owe me the five taels from last time and the three taels from the time before that."

"Isn't it just a little tight financially?" Chi Yan said casually. "Just lend me two more taels. I promise I'll pay you back next time."

"Sorry, I can't." 

Zhong Lin had hoped to get to know Chi Yan better when he first joined the yamen, but he soon discovered that Chi Yan was a gambler who squandered his salary at the casino and borrowed money when he ran out. At first, some people lent him money, but they soon realized he never paid it back. Zhong Lin had lent him a total of eight taels, which were like stones dropped into the ocean—there was no talk of repayment. Now that Chi Yan was asking for more money, even Zhong Lin's good temper was wearing thin.

Seeing Zhong Lin's refusal, Chi Yan's expression darkened.

"Brother Zhong, don't be so harsh! I promised I would pay you back. You sell a painting for four or five taels, so you shouldn't mind lending me a bit more."

Zhong Lin was infuriated by Chi Yan's shamelessness, choosing to ignore him and turn away.

As he watched Zhong Lin leave, Chi Yan's face twisted, his eyes filled with dangerous intent. "Damn it! A mere painter dares to look down on me? Does he really think I won't take action against him?"

...

With the issue of Shan Wenlong and the foolish Chi Yan on his mind, Zhong Lin had no desire to stay any longer and headed home.

"A gentleman doesn't stand on dangerous ground. No one knows if Shan Wenlong will seek revenge; I must prepare early for any eventuality."

"Staying in the county office is one option, but it's not convenient to have Little Shi with me. Besides, there's a saying: 'A thief can't be kept out forever.' I can't spend my life in the county office just because Shan Wenlong hasn't been caught yet!"

After thinking for a while, Zhong Lin made his way to the West Market, entering a blacksmith shop. Shortly after, he returned with a package in hand, then went to the medicine shop to buy several portions of Eight-Treasure Blood Nourishing Soup before finally heading home.

"Second Brother, what are you doing?" 

Little Shi looked puzzled as he watched Zhong Lin digging in the house with a shovel. Though confused, he diligently used a bamboo basket to carry the dug-up soil outside, like moving an ant hill.

"Digging a cellar, just in case. Pile the dirt in the corner of the yard; I'll figure out a way to dispose of it when it gets dark," Zhong Lin said without looking back.

"Oh!"

Building a cellar wasn't something that could be completed quickly. After digging for about an hour, he stopped, as he had more important matters to attend to.

He prepared a portion of Eight-Treasure Blood Nourishing Soup, but this time instead of just one-third of a packet, he poured in half.

Once the medicine was fully dissolved, he drank it down in one gulp. A hotter sensation than usual began to rise from his abdomen.

Without any hesitation, Zhong Lin rushed into the yard, unleashing a flurry of punches and kicks, his breath resonating as he practiced even more frantically than before.

With each breath, he could feel the blood circulating under his skin, while his skin tingled with a combination of soreness and itchiness. At that moment, he felt as if his body was encased in a layer of membrane, an uncomfortable sensation that made him want to tear it off.

Zhong Lin recognized this as a sign that he was about to enter a new rank. After half a month of practicing the Iron Mountain Skill, he was finally on the verge of a breakthrough.

Suddenly, he felt a cool, refreshing stream of energy flowing through him, bringing a tingling sensation to his skin. It felt as if he had taken a cool shower on a hot summer day—refreshing but not cold, and his skin was itching, as if someone was tickling him with a feather.

In less than ten breaths, the cool energy dissipated. Zhong Lin stopped moving, closed his eyes, and stood still to sense the changes in his body.

"I feel stronger. Is this what entering a new rank feels like?"

Zhong Lin stretched, feeling as if his strength had significantly increased.

He reached for the grinding stone in the corner, gripping one edge. With a sudden exertion, he lifted the grinding stone effortlessly with one arm.

"Indeed, it's correct. A ninth-rank martial artist has 180 kg of strength, and this grinding stone weighs about 120 kg. Now I can easily lift it with one arm."

After putting the grinding stone down, Zhong Lin entered the kitchen, grabbed a kitchen knife, and slid it gently across his arm.

The blade left only a red mark on his skin, and when he pressed harder, it barely cut through, feeling as if he was slicing through tough leather.