A Martial Saint in Chaotic Times: Starting with Grinding Proficiency

As soon as he finished speaking, the noisy atmosphere in the attic froze.

Ding Yong and the others, who were laughing loudly while slapping the table, suddenly stopped and turned around, looking at Zhou Yuan in the main seat with some surprise.

The madam, who was about to force Song Fang to sign the document, froze in mid-air, unable to move forward or backward. She could only look awkwardly at Xu Zhan in the hall, waiting for him to speak.

Xu Zhan's playful expression froze, then turned into a look of surprise.

In his view, forcing women into prostitution was commonplace, and even a kind of interesting pastime.

Why did Master Zhou suddenly speak?

His thoughts suddenly shifted, and he remembered something. The place where his concubine had her accident was near the muddy alley in the outer city, and this Master Zhou seemed to live in that area as well.

"Does Master Zhou have a past with these two siblings?" Xu Zhan asked tentatively.

Zhou Yuan held the teacup and gently blew on the steam.

"We're not exactly old acquaintances, just people I know."

Those six simple words sent a jolt through Song Fang's already despairing heart.

She slowly raised her head and looked at that familiar yet unfamiliar figure, her face full of bitterness.

It's not accurate to say there's an old connection.

Yes, she turned away from him when he was at his lowest point and threw herself into Zhang Hao's arms. How could there be any talk of old feelings left?

Ironically, Zhang Hao had already abandoned her.

In his most desperate moment, when he was about to be sold into a brothel and suffer all kinds of humiliation, the only person willing to lend a helping hand was Zhou Yuan, whom he had personally abandoned.

This former fiancé is now a renowned and powerful figure in Luochuan.

Xu Zhan's astonishment lasted only a moment before it was replaced by a warm smile.

"I see! Such a small matter was worth Master Zhou personally pleading for?"

"I just had a sudden urge today, thinking I'd put on a show for Master Zhou. Since Master Zhou isn't used to watching these things, then forget it!"

He waved his hand impatiently at the Song siblings.

"Since Master Zhou pleaded for you today, I'll let you off the hook for now. Hurry up and go thank Master Zhou!"

Upon hearing that he could leave, Song Tao, who was on the ground, was overjoyed at surviving the ordeal and his reason was instantly overwhelmed. He didn't even bother to help his swaying sister. He scrambled to his knees in front of Zhou Yuan and kowtowed frantically.

"Thank you, Master Zhou! Thank you, Master Zhou, for saving my life!"

When Song Fang heard the phrase "perform for fun," her mind went blank and she felt dizzy.

It turns out that this disaster, which was tantamount to the destruction of the Song family, was just a casual pastime by the leader of the Salt Gang.

The turmoil that had kept him up at night for the past few days, and the humiliating escape that had forced Zhang Hao to flee, vanished with a single sentence from Zhou Yuan.

What a status and what power this is!

If only... if only I hadn't...

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in life.

Overwhelmed with bitterness and regret, Song Fang slowly walked up to Zhou Yuan and knelt down in humiliation.

"Thank you... thank you, Master Zhou."

As soon as she finished speaking, she buried her head deeply, and hot tears silently soaked the ground in front of her forehead.

This bow was a salutation to the grace of being saved, but it also buried all her dignity and past.

Zhou Yuan simply nodded slightly in response.

He didn't say a single word to Song Fang from beginning to end.

Song Fang turned around dejectedly and walked unsteadily out of the attic. Seeing this, Song Tao quickly got up and followed her, limping.

As the two left, the atmosphere in the attic became lively again.

Xu Zhan and the other leaders of the Salt Gang began to toast Zhou Yuan in turn, as if the farce from before had never happened.

Or perhaps, such trivial matters are not worth their attention.

Zhou Yuan smiled faintly as he toasted with everyone, but a sigh escaped his lips.

In this chaotic world, people can indeed turn into ghosts.

Without sufficient strength, one will truly be devoured until nothing is left in this world.

After a few rounds of drinks, everyone's faces showed signs of intoxication.

A glint of clarity flashed in Xu Zhan's eyes; he knew that the important matter was about to begin.

He clapped his hands lightly.

Soon, three alluring maids walked in, each carrying a tray covered with a red cloth.

Zhou Yuan put down his wine cup, a slight thought stirring within him.

Xu Zhan stood up, walked to the tray himself, and lifted the red cloth on it one by one.

On the first tray were three exquisite jade bottles, inside which lay three perfectly round pills of varying colors.

The second tray contained a land deed.

The third tray contained a thick stack of banknotes.

"Master Zhou," Xu Zhan's voice was somewhat solemn, "After our last parting in Qing Shi Lane, although my second young master lost the boxing match, he greatly admired Master Zhou's divine prowess. To express his respect, he has prepared a small gift, which is of little value."

He pointed to the first tray.

"We have learned that Master Zhou is searching for ancient medicinal herbs for your sister, and the Ice Crystal Grass was delivered during the day. The Second Young Master also knows that Master Zhou is passionate about martial arts, so he specially found these three Grade Two pills to aid his cultivation."

He then pointed to the second and third trays.

"The Second Young Master also heard that Master Zhou is still living in the outer city, so he specially prepared a large four-courtyard mansion in Qingwa Lane in the inner city, as well as 1,500 taels of silver, as a token of his appreciation."

Zhou Yuan looked at the three gifts, and even with his composure, he couldn't help but be slightly taken aback.

Wang Xuanzhao, what a grand gesture!

Leaving aside the residences in the inner city, those three precious second-grade pills alone are priceless treasures.

However, after a brief moment of surprise, he regained his composure.

No profit can not afford to be early.

This Wang Xuanzhao is probably more than just a gift-giver.

"I appreciate Young Master Wang's kind intentions. However, it shouldn't be as simple as just giving a gift, should it?"

Upon hearing Zhou Yuan's direct question, Xu Zhan smiled knowingly.

"Master Zhou is a straightforward and outspoken person!"

He paused, then continued, "I heard that Master Zhou is currently working in the patrol office. Even if he's promoted to a minor official, his monthly salary is only a few dozen taels of silver. How could that be enough for a hidden dragon like Master Zhou to cultivate his skills?"

"Therefore, the second young master wishes to invite Master Zhou to work for the Wang family. The monthly stipend is five hundred taels!"

As he spoke, Xu Zhan pushed the silver notes from the third plate in front of Zhou Yuan.

"This is 1,500 taels. The second young master said it's an advance payment for three months' worth of offerings."

Five hundred taels per month!

Upon hearing this, all the Salt Gang leaders around him gasped in shock, looking at Zhou Yuan with disbelief.

They couldn't even imagine such a generous treatment.

Zhou Yuan was also secretly surprised.

This Wang Xuanzhao does indeed possess some courage and skill. Despite being an enemy of the Wang family, he not only holds no grudge but also treats them with great courtesy.

This person's magnanimity is far beyond that of ordinary people.

But, should we seek refuge with the Wang family?

Now that he's in the patrol and inspection office, he has the backing of the government and the imperial court. With this status, ordinary villains wouldn't dare to openly harm him.

The merchant alliance represented by the Wang family, whether it was colluding with Black Wind Mountain or the salt gang's exploitation of salt workers, was not to his liking.

Seemingly noticing Zhou Yuan's hesitation, Xu Zhan added.

"The second young master said he's not in a hurry for Master Zhou to give his opinion immediately. You can go back and think about it slowly."

"Furthermore, regardless of whether Master Zhou ultimately decides to join the Wang family, please be sure to accept these congratulatory gifts. The Second Young Master is doing this simply to make you his friend!"

These words were perfectly worded, showing Zhou Yuan ample respect while also demonstrating the Wang family's sincerity.

Zhou Yuan's opinion of Wang Xuanzhao, whom he had never met before, rose even higher.

A slight smile played on his lips as he looked at Xu Zhan.

"I'll leave the things with Chief Xu for now. I'll come back for them when I've made up my mind."

Xu Zhan smiled upon hearing this.

"I have no objection to Master Zhou's request!"

He waved for the maid to remove the items.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries with the members of the Salt Gang, Zhou Yuan got up to take his leave.

Xu Zhan personally escorted him to the entrance of the main hall, watching the figure in the blue robe disappear into the night.

A hall master stepped forward and clicked his tongue, saying, "Chief, Zhou Yuan is really calm. If it were me, I would have already bowed down and been willing to give my life for the Wang family."

Xu Zhan turned around, his smile fading.

"The Second Young Master Wang's intentions have been conveyed; as for his choice..."

He paused, then said quietly.

"Hopefully, he won't follow in the footsteps of the Chen family."

......