Gou Zai Wudao Shi Lian Shen

Liu Xiaolou had several ribs broken by Lu Chen's punch and lay on the ground howling in pain.

The Weiyuan Hall disciples, who had been arrogantly shouting and cursing just moments before, were now all pale-faced, as if they had been slapped in the face in public.

They originally came to challenge the establishment and establish their authority.

As a result, Liu Xiaolou, a martial artist who had broken through to the next level in just over half a year, was defeated by Lu Chen, a newcomer.

This time, they completely lost face.

Seeing that things were going badly, several disciples of Weiyuan Hall slunk away on the spot. The remaining two disciples, who were relatively close to Liu Xiaolou, mustered their courage and stepped forward to help Liu Xiaolou up from the ground.

"Senior Brother Liu, let's go back and heal our injuries first."

"Don't touch it! It hurts...it hurts so much!"

Liu Xiaolou's face was deathly pale, his forehead was covered in cold sweat, and he kept gasping for breath. But he dared not look at Lu Chen again, and could only let his two junior brothers carry him as they fled from the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts School in a sorry state.

Lu Chen watched their departing figures without paying much attention.

He focused his attention on the transparent light screen in front of him.

[Iron Wire Grappling Technique: Beginner]

[Progress: 0/100]

Lu Chen's eyes flickered slightly.

"This martial arts competition wasn't entirely fruitless; I learned a martial art for free, which I can study when I have time."

When he fought Liu Xiaolou just now, he felt how difficult this Iron Wire Grappling Technique was.

If he were to encounter a true master of wire grappling, Lu Chen might not fare well.

However, Liu Xiaolou had only just begun to grasp the basics and was no match for Lu Chen at all.

"Lu Chen".

Chen Chong walked over, his gaze first sweeping over his wrists and shoulders: "Are you alright?"

Lu Chen regained his composure and shook his head, saying, "No."

Chen Chong was finally relieved and laughed, "You've really made our martial arts school proud this time."

"However, in the future, I will try to avoid fighting with others as much as possible."

No one can be invincible, and a single defeat can ruin one's entire future!

Lu Chen nodded: "Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother. I will be careful."

Chen Chong glanced at the sky and said, "Alright, don't delay any longer. You still have to go to the yam shop to start your new job today; Manager Wang is probably already waiting."

Lu Chen then remembered the important matter.

He went back to his room to get a simple bundle and changed into a cleaner set of training clothes.

When he left the martial arts school, Chen Chong saw him to the door.

Chen Chong stood in front of the door and patted him on the shoulder: "When you get to the yam shop, talk less and observe more."

Lu Chen said, "I understand."

Chen Chong added, "While you may be on a temporary assignment, you can't neglect your martial arts training. You must be diligent in your daily stance training and fist practice. If you encounter any trouble with Wang Ji, you can come to the martial arts school to find me."

Lu Chen felt a warmth in his heart and solemnly clasped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your care all this time, Senior Brother Chen."

"I'm going."

Chen Chong nodded: "Go ahead."

Wangji Yam Shop is located in the western part of the city. Although its storefront is not the most impressive, it occupies a considerable area. The front hall faces the street and sells medicine, while the back courtyard houses the residence and warehouse.

As soon as Lu Chen reached the door, he smelled a strong medicinal fragrance.

Two workers at the door were unloading goods, but they immediately stopped when they saw Lu Chen.

One of the young men's eyes lit up, and he whispered, "Is it a martial artist from the land?"

Another person hurriedly said, "Quickly, go and inform the manager!"

Before long, Wang Shouyi strode out from the inner hall to greet him.

He was wearing a dark blue long robe today, and his face still looked a bit tired, but his eyes lit up as soon as he saw Lu Chen.

"Brother Lu Chen is here!"

Wang Shouyi stepped forward, personally cupped his hands in greeting, and his attitude was much warmer than it had been three days ago.

Lu Chen returned the greeting: "Manager Wang."

Wang Shouyi looked him up and down, then suddenly burst into a wide smile: "Excellent! Excellent! I knew I hadn't misjudged you!"

Lu Chen was slightly taken aback: "What makes you say that, Manager Wang?"

Wang Shouyi's eyes were full of joy: "I have already heard about the martial arts fight at the Hidden Dragon Martial Arts School."

Lu Chen's heart stirred.

The yam trader was more well-informed than he had imagined.

Wang Shouyi learned of what had happened almost immediately.

Wang Shouyi stroked his short beard and laughed, "Liu Xiaolou of Weiyuan Hall has been honing his skills at the initial stage of Blood Transformation for more than half a year, and he has also mastered the Iron Wire Grappling Technique. I never expected that he would be defeated on the spot by Brother Lu, a newcomer, and even have several ribs broken."

As he said this, his voice betrayed an undisguised sense of satisfaction.

"Great, excellent!"

In the past, Weiyuantang had looked down on their yam business, and Wangji had to rely on martial artists from Weiyuantang's martial arts school for official positions, which had caused them a lot of trouble. This time, Lu Chen defeated Liu Xiaolou as a newcomer, which dampened Weiyuantang's spirits and allowed Wang Shouyi to finally vent his pent-up anger.

When the men next to him looked at Lu Chen again, their eyes showed a clearer sense of awe.

Wang Shouyi became more and more satisfied with Lu Chen the more he looked at him.

Three days ago, he gritted his teeth and asked for a high price, which was actually partly a gamble.

Now it seems that Lu Chen is not worth the price.

"The Hidden Dragon Martial Arts School is about to gain momentum; we should cooperate with them more in the future."

Wang Shouyi pondered for a moment, then said to Lu Chen, "Lu Chen, please come in. I have prepared the contract, medicine, and lodging for you."

Lu Chen followed Wang Shouyi into the yam shop.

In the front hall, several medicine cabinets almost filled an entire wall, with the names of medicines written densely on the drawers. Behind the counter, an accountant with white hair was working on an abacus. Hearing footsteps, he also looked up at Lu Chen.

Wang Shouyi introduced, "This is Mr. Meng, the old accountant of our Wangji business. From now on, he will keep accounts for your monthly salary and discounts on medicinal herbs. If you have any needs, you can ask Mr. Meng directly, and we will do our best to meet them as long as it is within our capabilities."

Mr. Meng adjusted his glasses and nodded, saying, "Martial Arts Master Lu."

Lu Chen clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Mr. Meng."

Wang Shouyi then pointed to several other employees and introduced them to Lu Chen one by one, hoping to familiarize him with them.

Afterwards, Wang Shouyi led Lu Chen through the front hall to the backyard.

The backyard was much larger than Lu Chen had imagined, with several rows of houses divided into it.

There was a pill-making room, a storeroom, a residence, a kitchen...

As they walked, Wang Shouyi explained to Lu Chen, "Our yam business deals in mountain products and medicinal herbs. We handle a considerable volume of herbs coming in and out on a daily basis."

"A martial artist's cultivation is three parts training and seven parts nourishment. The further one progresses, the more one relies on medicinal herbs and pills."

"As for all the medicinal herbs related to martial arts training, from medicinal baths for cleansing the body to blood-nourishing powders, our yam shop has them all."

Finally, Wang Shouyi led him to a row of small houses, in front of which stood wooden dummy stakes used for practicing boxing.

"This is where we've arranged for you to stay."

Lu Chen went in and looked around.

Although the house was simple, it was much more spacious and tidy than his residence at the martial arts school.

The bed was new, and the table and chairs were spotless. Against the wall stood a wooden box containing two neatly folded sets of light blue outfits.

Wang Shouyi said, "These are the clothes that the Wang family provides for those who are on temporary military posts. Whether you wear them or not is up to you."

Lu Chen reached out and touched the fabric; it was much better than the martial arts training clothes he was wearing.

At this moment, Wang Shouyi took out a contract from his sleeve and then a small porcelain box.

"This is the contract. It states that I will receive six taels of monthly salary, one Blood Qi Powder, and the medicinal herbs will be sold at a 30% discount. All of this is written inside."

As he spoke, he opened the porcelain box.

Inside the box lay a dark red pill, exuding a rich fragrance; it was the Blood Qi Dispersant.

"This is your blood and qi depletion for this month."

Lu Chen took the porcelain box and the contract and read them carefully.

The terms are clearly stated in black and white.

Lu Chen pressed his handprint without hesitation.

The contract was made in duplicate; Wang Shouyi kept one copy and gave the other to Lu Chen.

"From this day forward, Lu Chen, you will be a nominal martial artist of my Wangji Yam Shop."

He solemnly cupped his hands in greeting, saying, "From now on, Wang Ji will rely on your continued support."

Lu Chen returned the greeting with a fist and palm salute: "Now that I've received Wang Ji's salary, I will do my best."

Wang Shouyi smiled and said, "Okay."

"You've just arrived today, so there's no need to rush into anything. First, familiarize yourself with the yam shop."