Chapter 5: The Martial Arts World of the Newspaper Seller (5)

"Ah, so satisfying! This Qi Zhentian, after teasing Caixia once, didn't learn his lesson and dared to sneak behind her back and play dirty tricks. Luckily, my brother Bangyi is incredibly sharp and saw through his scheme, giving him a thorough lesson!"

"Hahaha, Qi Zhentian must be stunned! Who would've thought my brother Bangyi's martial arts progress would be so rapid? He's a martial arts genius, and with his specialized sword techniques, how could some small-time thug like you even compare?"

In the room, Sun Hu couldn't wait to finish reading the newspaper for the day. His whole body felt relaxed and invigorated.

Earlier, he had been skeptical about the new martial artist "Swift Wind," doubting his works. But now, he was completely hooked, and it just kept getting better.

Nowadays, he couldn't go a day without reading it at least a few times. If he didn't buy a copy on time, he'd feel like a fish out of water, suffocating without his fix.

Reading The Legend of the Greatest Martial Artist didn't just let him practice martial arts techniques alongside the protagonist, but also allowed him to observe every challenge the protagonist faced. The immersive experience was beyond anything he had ever felt from any novel before!

Carefully putting the paper away to read again later that evening, Sun Hu walked out of the room, savoring the lingering excitement.

Sun Hu worked for the Longwei Escort Agency, one of the largest and most famous escort agencies in Bianjing.

Though he was just a small fry in the organization, he knew that many skilled people worked there, such as the head of the agency, who was said to have strong connections with the leaders of several famous martial arts sects.

At this very moment, in the inner courtyard of the Longwei Escort Agency...

The agency's leader, Cai Wei, burned the completed secret letter and watched it turn to ash.

His old friend, the master of the Jian Mountain Manor, Zhuo Huaiqi, had written, requesting that he send a trusted, capable person to take on a difficult task.

The target? The author of The Legend of the Greatest Martial Artist, "Swift Wind"—the same name that had spread all over Bianjing. Cai Wei had also heard of this book, and the person behind it. The name "Swift Wind" was indeed as famous as they claimed.

Clearly, his friend valued this individual highly, offering a substantial fee. After considering the request, Cai Wei made up his mind.

His adopted son.

At just twenty-three, he was already an elite martial artist, second only to Cai Wei himself in skill. He was steady, restrained, and trustworthy—perfect for the job.

Unless it was a particularly dangerous mission, Cai Wei wouldn't have sent his son on such tasks. But since it was an old friend asking, he couldn't refuse.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

The door was being knocked on with force. Chloe Chen paused in her writing, quickly wrapped herself in her cotton jacket, and went to open the door.

She was met by a small, dirty-faced boy of about seven or eight, his round, dark eyes staring up at her with intensity.

"Big Sister, my mom sent me to bring you some pickled vegetables!"

Chloe blinked, confused.

"Whose child are you? Did you knock on the wrong door?"

The boy rolled his eyes in disdain. "I live right across from you! How could I have knocked on the wrong door? Hurry up and take it, I've got important things to do later!"

Chloe was still puzzled, but then remembered the kind woman who lived across the street, who had a small child with her. She must've sent this.

"Oh, it's from your mother? Please thank her for me!" Chloe smiled and took the pickled vegetables from the boy, feeling grateful.

The boy waved dismissively. "Got it, got it." He glanced at her thick cotton coat with a weird look, but didn't say more, quickly running off.

Later that evening, Chloe figured the neighbor would be home from work by now, so she decided to visit and express her gratitude in person. She brought some pastries, which she often bought for herself since she didn't know how to cook.

Knocking on the door, the kind woman opened it, and they chatted warmly.

The neighbor was gentle and friendly. During their conversation, Chloe accidentally mentioned that she had been eating food from the tavern or snacks lately, which led the woman to kindly offer to cook for her in the future, sending meals over with her son.

Chloe was grateful and agreed, setting up a plan for meals and agreeing to pay for both the ingredients and the cooking.

On her way back home, just as she entered the courtyard, she froze in surprise.

Standing in the cramped, crowded courtyard was a tall young man, dressed in a plain grey outer shirt. He had a handsome face that didn't lose any color, standing upright with an air of quiet strength.

"Miss Chen."

He clasped his hands in a formal greeting, an apologetic look on his face. "Sorry to disturb you. I am Cai Jingjun from Longwei Escort Agency, here to guard you."

Chloe's eyes widened in realization.

She had already received a letter, informing her that the head of the agency's adopted son would be coming to provide protection. So this was him.

"Not at all! Welcome, I'm Chloe Chen," she introduced herself with a smile. "You have such an impressive appearance, young master."

His looks were definitely striking. If this were the modern world, he'd definitely be a top idol.

Cai Jingjun's pale face turned slightly red. He wasn't used to being praised directly, especially by a young woman, and for a moment, didn't know how to respond.

Fortunately, Chloe didn't press further on this topic.

After briefly explaining her situation, she said, "I've already prepared a place for you to stay. It's not much, but I hope it's sufficient for the time being. I'll arrange for a better house soon."

With a new person in the house, maybe she should ask the neighbor to cook a double portion of meals? That way, there would be enough for both of them.

"The life of a martial artist isn't about luxury. This will be fine," Cai Jingjun replied honestly.

He was easy to take care of, and his personality was calm and kind. Chloe felt relieved and happy about this arrangement.

As she got ready for bed that night, she slept soundly for the first time in a while, feeling safe with Cai Jingjun next door.

The next morning, she woke up feeling refreshed.

Before long, she heard the familiar knocking on the door.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

And then the loud voice of the child: "Open the door! I brought your food!"

That little rascal… good thing she woke up early. Otherwise, his loud shouting would have made her want to kick him across the yard.

Chloe stepped out of her room and was surprised to find that Cai Jingjun was already in the yard, practicing his swordplay. He was dressed lightly, with a sword in hand, a faint sheen of sweat on his forehead and his shirt.

"You're practicing swordplay early in the morning?" she asked, surprised.

Seeing her come out, he quickly sheathed his sword and clasped his hands in a polite gesture, looking a little embarrassed. "Sorry, Miss Chen. It's a habit of mine to practice in the mornings. If it's inconvenient, I can—"

"It's fine! Feel free to practice as you like!" Chloe quickly interrupted.

The letter had mentioned that Cai Jingjun was an elite martial artist, and with his young age and impressive abilities, it seemed he had been treated well before. There was no need to restrict his hobbies.

"Open the door! Aren't you awake yet? The food will get cold!"

The child outside had started yelling again.

"I'll go open the door?" Cai Jingjun asked, looking to Chloe. When she nodded, he walked over and opened the door.

"You're so slow! What took you so long?" the child grumbled, but then saw Cai Jingjun's imposing figure and hesitated, staring up at him. "Wait, are you... her husband?"

Her what?! Chloe's face twitched.

Cai Jingjun froze for a second before awkwardly shaking his head. "No, no, not at all."

The child, unconcerned, waved him off. "Whatever. Not my business. Here's the food."

Cai Jingjun silently took the food, while Chloe cleared her throat and reminded the boy to let his mother know she might need extra food every day, and she'd double the payment.

The boy gave a quick "Okay!" and sprinted off.

With only the two of them left in the yard, Cai Jingjun quietly held the food in his hands, his gaze fixed on Chloe.

Chloe sheepishly explained the situation.

He looked at the food in his hands and then back at the tiny kitchen in the small straw hut... He seemed to be thinking something over.

Later that day, the boy returned to his mother with the message, and when the mother heard it, she kindly sent over an additional portion of food.

The boy, as quick as a gust of wind, completed his task and was off again.