Chapter 66: Two Months (Double Chapter)

Zhuang Jin had no idea that, under Guo Jun’s instigation, Zhuang Yutang and Zhuang Yuyong were already preparing to present him with a grand gift at the end of his four-month novice period. At this time, his mind was entirely focused on martial training.

Aware that the accumulation for the Third Meridian was long and time was pressing, his efforts this month surpassed even the previous. He rose before the rooster crowed, ate with utmost speed, completed his basic teaching tasks and departed immediately, and in the evenings he devoted himself fully to cultivation, suspending martial practice. Whenever he found a spare moment, he seized it for training.

Quantified, he spent over six hours each day in cultivation. Aside from necessary duties, his entire being was dedicated to advancing his realm.

Such diligence did not go unnoticed by other martial artists. At some point, a nickname began circulating in the Shen family’s outer compound—“Martial Maniac” Zhuang Jin. Guo Jun, upon hearing this, was both startled and anxious; with Zhuang Jin’s talent and discipline, his potential would be realized rapidly! All Guo Jun could do was hope that Zhuang Yutang and Zhuang Yuyong would deal with Zhuang Jin soon, else the consequences were unthinkable. He even felt a tinge of regret, though it was too late to turn back.

Zhuang Jin was vaguely aware of the rumors, but remained indifferent, carrying on as he pleased. Those who witnessed his dedication were often impressed and praised him, for Zhuang Jin’s rapid progress meant they would see returns sooner as well.

Ping Yongfeng, however, advised him not to stretch the bowstring too tightly. Though Zhuang Jin agreed verbally, he never changed his ways. Thus, every few days, Ping Yongfeng brought him a good meal, occasionally even exotic beast meat—acquired through expensive connections—to improve his diet and lighten his mood.

Ping Yongfeng was the type who “acts but does not speak,” sharing meals without much concern expressed, simply eating together and leaving, never disrupting Zhuang Jin’s training.

Zhuang Jin felt deeply moved by this friendship, quietly keeping it in his heart.

In truth, he didn’t feel as “bitter” as others imagined. Rather, he found joy in it; each session of stake training and silent cultivation allowed him to sense incremental progress. Knowing he faced no bottleneck, that breakthrough would come with steady accumulation, filled him with hope and vitality.

…

A month soon passed, bringing the calendar to late March.

Thanks to his breakthrough last month and continued diligence, Zhuang Jin had completed just over half of his Third Meridian accumulation. This was the result of his unwavering focus and the assistance of medicinal meals, among other factors.

He estimated privately: “If I keep this pace, I have a good chance of breaking through the Fourth Meridian before the end of next month’s final self-selected task; even if not, it will only be delayed a day or two.”

His progress was encouraging, but the cost? Last month’s congratulatory gifts had left him flush with over twenty taels of silver, making him feel rich. Yet, after his breakthrough and daily six-hour training sessions, his resources—especially Black Yuan Powder and medicinal meals—were quickly depleted, leaving him with only three taels and seven coins!

Fortunately, his luck with tasks this month was strong: among the six official martial artists, three had mastered the Black Evil Palm—though Zhou Chao was not one of them.

Tomorrow, on the first of April, he would receive a new month’s stipend, task payment, and rewards, totaling ten taels of silver—a modest recovery.

“Still, it won’t be enough…” Zhuang Jin smiled wryly, realizing he’d likely have to borrow next month.

That evening, as at the end of last month, he gathered with Lin Hong, Bi Kai, Qian Wende, and Wu Hao—a close-knit circle of five centered on Zhuang Jin.

He had revealed two months prior that martial trainees recruited from outside would be sent to the city’s southern sector if they failed to break through the Second Meridian in three months. The deadline had now arrived.

Lin Hong had broken through last month; Bi Kai did so at the start of this month; Qian Wende had managed, after desperate efforts, to break through just days ago.

Only Wu Hao, despite early warning, remained hindered by his family circumstances and talent. He would likely be assigned to the southern sector near the Medicine King Gang next month.

Wu Hao had heard many rumors about that area and was understandably anxious. Zhuang Jin and the others comforted him as best they could, though it felt inadequate.

Furthermore, starting next month, Bi Kai and Lin Hong would no longer have task selection privileges; only Zhuang Jin had one month left.

Fortunately, with their breakthroughs, Bi Kai and Lin Hong would at least avoid being sent south.

As for the other three in their dormitory, Xiang Qichen had been injured last month and, after consecutive defeats by Zhuang Jin and Lin Hong, reportedly kept a much lower profile this month.

…

Among the eight dorm mates, Xiong Lei’s martial talent was outstanding. He also broke through the Second Meridian this month, albeit half a month later than Bi Kai and a few days ahead of Qian Wende.

Qian Wende mentioned that Xiong Lei, who had been stationed in the northern city, had changed noticeably. He had even greeted Qian Wende proactively recently.

Jiao Kun had been assigned last month to a street adjacent to the Medicine King Gang’s territory in the north. He was lucky not to encounter trouble then, but this month his luck ran out. He suffered minor injuries, and due to his laziness—training sporadically—he had yet to break through the Second Meridian. He would likely be sent south next month as well.

…

The next day, the first of April.

Zhuang Jin collected his monthly stipend, last month’s task payment, and rewards—ten taels in all—then registered for the martial arts instructor task and departed.

By coincidence, he saw Xiang Qichen outside. Xiang also noticed Zhuang Jin but avoided him from a distance, likely still haunted by last month’s defeat.

Zhuang Jin didn’t pursue him, instead waiting at the task office entrance, ready to escort Lin Hong, Bi Kai, and others.

At that moment, Xiong Lei emerged from the office, chatting with an unfamiliar martial artist—a teammate from the northern city.

Upon seeing Zhuang Jin, Xiong Lei was slightly surprised, then approached with a smile. “Brother Zhuang, I heard you broke through the Third Meridian last month. Congratulations!”

He reached to put his arm around Zhuang Jin’s shoulder, telling his teammate, “This is Brother Zhuang. We bunked side-by-side as trainees, and shared a dorm as official martial artists. He broke through the Second Meridian in the month we learned martial arts, and now he’s reached the Third.”

Zhuang Jin deftly avoided Xiong Lei’s arm, glancing at him. Today, Xiong Lei’s “Brother Zhuang” sounded perfectly natural, with none of the impulsiveness he’d shown when approaching Zhuang Jin after seeing Chen Yun speak to him. He now bore hints of Qian Wende’s maturity, though still somewhat naive.

The unfamiliar martial artist was astonished by the introduction. Third Meridian was squad leader level; he hadn’t expected Xiong Lei to have such connections and regarded him more highly as a result.

Xiong Lei noticed Zhuang Jin’s avoidance, his face stiffening slightly. He no longer pressed forward, instead saying, “Brother Zhuang, my father has always wanted to invite you for a meal. Come by when you have time!”

His teammate, hearing this, became even more convinced of their close relationship—after all, dining with family was no small matter.

Speaking of Xiong Bold, though their bond had been settled during registration, Zhuang Jin still responded politely. “Thank your father for me, but I may not have much time. Perhaps another day.”

He watched Xiong Lei leave, his face pleased, accompanied by his astonished, inquisitive teammate. Recalling Qian Wende’s comments about Xiong Lei’s changes, Zhuang Jin silently agreed.

Indeed, Xiong Lei had changed. The Shen family headquarters was somewhat like an ivory tower; certain realities were less apparent. In the northern city, the harsh truths of society were laid bare: fawning over the strong, bullying the weak, rigid hierarchies—even sitting in the wrong chair could have severe consequences, not to mention frequent deaths. Such primal realities were exposed without pretense.

In such a crucible, not changing would be strange.

Xiong Lei’s incident was but a minor episode. Soon, Lin Hong, Bi Kai, and Wu Hao emerged.

This month, Lin Hong was assigned to the northern city streets; Bi Kai, perhaps due to his familiarity and good record in the outer fields, as well as his Second Meridian status, was again assigned to the outer fields.

Qian Wende, having broken through, could remain in the north.

Wu Hao, as expected, was sent to the southern sector. His face was troubled. “Lin, Zhuang, Qian, Bi—I’m really… If anything happens, I heard there’s compensation. Please help my family, don’t let them suffer because of me.”

Though honest, Wu Hao was not naive, understanding the dangers.

His words carried an air of final farewell, letting Zhuang Jin and the others taste the sadness of parting before it happened.

Lin Hong was silent, then said, “If it comes to that, I will. But a diligent heart is seldom disappointed; it may not come to that.”

Bi Kai added, “Hao, be careful. Don’t try to stand out. You’ll be fine.”

“Yes, Bi’s right. The Medicine King Gang are ruthless—don’t try to stand out,” Qian Wende said, conveying the true impression left by their martial artists: “They’re ruthless to others, and to themselves!”

The Medicine King Gang was smaller, less powerful, and with fewer resources than the Shen family. Their rewards for killing were inferior, and their internal competition fierce. Surviving martial artists there were truly vicious, for only the ruthless could stand their ground.

“If it comes to that, I’ll help, as will Bi and Qian. The Shen family keeps investing, and now has more martial artists than the Medicine King Gang. When you go there, use strength in numbers—always fight as many against few,” Zhuang Jin explained in detail. “Our resources far surpass theirs; with more recruits, numbers are on our side. Even if their martial artists are vicious, so what? Stick with teammates, avoid high-level opponents, and when facing equals, use numbers.”

He spoke with firm pragmatism; there was no pretense, no “martial virtue”—just overpowering the weak with the strong.

Wu Hao absorbed their advice, recognizing their goodwill, and nodded seriously.

After seeing them off, Zhuang Jin watched his four friends depart, feeling a renewed determination to strengthen himself and take control of his fate. He turned and strode away.

…

As last month, his task was to teach martial arts. Familiar with the routine, he fulfilled the minimum required teaching hours, dedicating all remaining time to his cultivation.

Time flew by. Zhuang Jin’s intense discipline made the “Martial Maniac” nickname deeply ingrained; meanwhile, Zhuang Yutang and Zhuang Yuyong spent their days in anxious anticipation. Another month passed.

The calendar turned to April 30th.

That evening, Lin Hong and others came for a brief gathering, sensing Zhuang Jin’s urgency. They shared a quick meal, barely lasting the time of an incense stick, then departed, leaving Zhuang Jin to continue his training.

When the martial training grounds closed, Zhuang Jin wiped sweat from his brow and returned to his room.

“The Third Meridian’s accumulation is indeed unlike the Second. Two months of hard cultivation, and I still lack a sliver to break through the Fourth by the end of my four-month novice protection period.”

But it was indeed just a sliver. He felt certain that, at most, within a day or two, he would break through.

“I’ve already learned from Steward Chang that next month I’ll be assigned to the northern city.”

Zhuang Jin had hoped to remain at the Shen family headquarters or in the outer fields, but as a Third Meridian martial artist, suitable positions were scarce. The northern sector, rapidly expanding as the Shen family and Medicine King Gang seized territory and absorbed smaller gangs, was in urgent need of manpower.

Ultimately, he could only be assigned to the north. Thanks to Chang Hetong’s influence, he secured a street not bordering Medicine King Gang territory, where an old friend of Chang Hetong, also a Third Meridian squad leader, could look out for him.

“When I go to the northern city, I’ll be a squad leader. Qian Wende told me that squad leaders get the best perks and are usually quite idle, only needing to lead night shifts every three days.”

“If I’m scheduled for night duty on the first or second day, I’ll spend some silver to have Steward Chang’s friend cover for me. Until I break through the Fourth Meridian, I won’t be going out.”

“Speaking of silver…”

Zhuang Jin’s mouth twitched. His funds were again insufficient; he’d borrowed ten taels from Ping Yongfeng, and after this month’s stipend and last month’s rewards, he was left with only two taels and seven coins.

He finally understood: the monthly stipend and safe, low-paying tasks barely covered daily cultivation expenses, let alone any luxuries. The Shen family did not encourage martial artists to lay low.

“But tomorrow, I’ll get the new month’s stipend and task payment. I taught two martial arts this month, earning a one-tael reward… So tomorrow I’ll receive nine taels, and my savings will again exceed ten taels, enough to tide me over.”

Once he broke through the Fourth Meridian, he could earn combat merits and replenish his funds.

The northern sector’s friction with the Medicine King Gang was not intense; Fourth Meridian-level experts served mainly as deterrents and rarely acted. Once Zhuang Jin broke through, as a squad leader outwardly Third Meridian but inwardly Fourth, he would be a terror to the Medicine King Gang’s men—a massacre.

…