The Martial Saint of the Defiled World

In the evening, the sky over Jishanli was bathed in a dim, yellowish light.

Jiang Shaosheng, carrying a bundle, had just turned into the alleyway when he heard a burst of laughter.

Two children who look quite alike are chasing after a big tabby cat whose tail has exploded.

The boy running ahead was like a carefree little pony, full of energy.

The girl followed behind, her two jet-black braids fluttering like butterflies as she ran.

"Looking towards Fei! Snow Pavilion!"

Jiang Shaosheng raised his voice and called out.

The two children turned around at the same time.

The boy named Chen Wangfei's eyes lit up. He slammed on the brakes, turned his head, and sped off in one fluid motion. He braked just in time, looked up, and shouted, "Brother Shaosheng!"

The girl named Chen Xueting walked steadily to Jiang Shaosheng, looked up at him, and said softly, "Brother, you're here."

Her eyes were just like her aunt's—clear and bright, always looking at people with a serious expression, like a little adult.

"Yeah, I just stopped by on my way."

A gentle smile spread across Jiang Shaosheng's face as he reached out and ruffled Wang Fei's spiky short hair.

Chen Xueting's gaze fell on the bundle on Jiang Shaosheng's shoulder, and he asked, "Brother, are you going on a long trip?"

As they were talking, Aunt Shen Xiangjun, wearing a worn blue apron, came out of the courtyard with flour still on her hands.

Upon seeing Jiang Shaosheng, he paused for a moment, then said, "Shaosheng, you're here? Perfect timing, come in and have a meal."

She called out again into the courtyard, "Zhaoxing! Stop fiddling with your stupid abacus! Shaosheng's here!"

Chen Zhaoxing's voice immediately came from inside the courtyard: "Who is it? Shaosheng?"

Jiang Shaosheng followed his aunt into the courtyard.

This courtyard is more orderly than the residence in Guanlanli, with three main rooms and clothes drying under the eaves.

The aroma of steaming buns wafted from the kitchen.

Chen Zhaoxing came out of the main room, holding an account book in his hand: "You really came? Come in and sit down."

"I was just passing by and stopped by to tell my uncle and aunt."

Jiang Shaosheng unloaded his bundle and placed it on the bench by the door.

"What are you talking about? Let's eat first."

Shen Xiangjun turned and went into the kitchen. Her voice came from inside: "I just steamed some buns, stir-fried some cabbage, and stewed some tofu. Wangfei, Xueting, go wash your hands."

Chen Wangfei cheered and pulled his sister towards the water vat.

Chen Zhaoxing put the account books back inside and came out with a smile: "What made you decide to come over today?"

Jiang Shaosheng explained, "I found a short-term job, and I have to start work tonight. I came to let you know so you wouldn't worry about me."

"Short-term work? What kind of work?"

"Nancheng Fuchang Warehouse, warehouse guard, night shift, for a total of half a month."

Chen Zhaoxing frowned slightly: "Night shift? Just you alone?"

"I'm with Hump."

Jiang Shaosheng added a sentence.

"Two people per class, looking out for each other."

"That kid Hongpu is impulsive and useless."

Chen Zhaoxing shook his head, then asked, "What about the wages?"

"One hundred coins a day, including supper, and a place to rest during the day."

"One hundred coins?"

Chen Zhaoxing was taken aback.

"That price isn't low."

Shen Xiangjun came out carrying a basket of hot steamed buns and happened to hear this. She interjected, "No one gets up before dawn without a profit. The work must be quite demanding, right?"

As she spoke, she picked up the steamed buns one by one and placed them into the bamboo tray on the table.

"It's supposed to be to prevent petty thieves and ensure the safety of goods. Looking at the contract, the rules are strict, but the job should just be patrolling and keeping watch at night."

"It's dark at night, and it's a warehouse."

Chen Zhaoxing still seemed uneasy.

"Uncle, I know what's important."

Jiang Shaosheng smiled.

"If I really encounter a life-threatening situation, I'll be the first to run away. No matter what, life is the most important thing."

Shen Xiangjun then brought out a bowl of cabbage and a bowl of stewed tofu, set out the chopsticks, and then looked up at Jiang Shaosheng.

"It's good that you know what's going on. Hongpu isn't a bad person, but he talks too much and is impulsive. His mouth moves faster than his brain. Keep an eye on him, so he doesn't mess things up."

"Okay, sure."

Chen Wangfei and Chen Xueting washed their hands and came in, sitting down side by side.

A family of five sat around a small square table, the food steaming hot.

"Brother, when you guard the storeroom at night, do you ever encounter thieves? Like those thieves in the plays who can zip up onto the roof in a flash."

Chen Wangfei bit into the soft steamed bun, his dark eyes filled with excitement and curiosity, his cheeks puffed out like a little hamster.

"That's hard to say."

Jiang Shaosheng was amused by him and put a piece of tofu on his plate.

"But even if there really is a thief, we will first make a commotion and call for help, instead of foolishly rushing in to fight."

"Huh? That's so boring."

Chen Wangfei looked dejected and muttered to himself.

Sitting next to him, Chen Xueting gently touched the back of his brother's hand with the end of his chopsticks and whispered, "Safety is the most important thing."

She ate her meal with her head down, occasionally glancing at Jiang Shaosheng with a hint of worry in her eyes.

Shen Xiangjun added half a bowl of stewed tofu soup to Jiang Shaosheng's bowl: "Eat more. You can't stay up all night without food."

"Actually, I ate something at home."

Jiang Shaosheng told the truth.

Chen Zhaoxing said, "Eat some more after you've eaten. A full stomach keeps you warm and gives you energy. When you're traveling, your health is your most important asset."

Jiang Shaosheng no longer refused and took the bowl.

The tofu was stewed until flavorful, with a few specks of oil floating in the soup, and the cabbage was stir-fried until crisp.

It's simple, but it has the taste of home.

At the dinner table, Chen Zhaoxing asked about the situation at the warehouse, and Jiang Shaosheng answered him one by one.

Shen Xiangjun would occasionally chime in with a few words, mostly reminding people to wear more clothes at night and to be more vigilant.

Chen Wangfei chattered on and on, asking all sorts of questions, and his sister secretly tugged at his clothes several times.

After the meal was finished, it got a little darker.

Jiang Shaosheng stood up: "It's getting late, I need to report to the warehouse."

"So urgent?"

Chen Zhaoxing also stood up.

"We agreed on six o'clock, it wouldn't be good to be late."

Shen Xiangjun didn't say anything, and turned to go into the inner room.

A moment later, he came out, holding a small blue cloth bag, and handed it to Jiang Shaosheng.

"What is this?"

Jiang Shaosheng accepted it.

Shen Xiangjun looked away.

"A dagger. Your uncle used to carry it when he was traveling. It's been sharpened and is still quite sharp. Carry it for self-defense. Don't show it off easily, and don't lose it."

Jiang Shaosheng clutched the cloth bag, his Adam's apple bobbing before he finally managed to squeeze out a "Hmm!"

Chen Zhaoxing slapped his forehead, exclaiming in annoyance, "Oh! Why didn't I think of that!"

He looked at his wife and sighed.

"You're quick-witted and meticulous."

What comes to mind?

Shen Xiangjun glanced at her husband, then reached out to straighten Jiang Shaosheng's collar.

"It's cold at night, so I packed a jacket for you in your bundle. Just wear it."

"Thank you, Auntie," Jiang Shaosheng said softly.

"No need to thank me."

Shen Xiangjun turned around and began to clear the dishes.

Chen Zhaoxing escorted Jiang Shaosheng to the gate of the courtyard.

The setting sun had already sunk behind the eaves, leaving only a dark red hue on the horizon.

A cool breeze picked up in the alleyway.

"Remember what your aunt said."

Chen Zhaoxing gave him earnest advice.

"Be vigilant at night. If something really happens, don't be reckless. No matter how high your salary is, it's not as precious as your life."

"I remember, Uncle."

"Go."

Chen Zhaoxing patted him on the shoulder.

"Half a month has passed in the blink of an eye."

Chen Wangfei craned his neck and shouted, "Cousin, come again when you have time!"

Chen Xueting stood by the door and waved gently.

Jiang Shaosheng smiled and agreed, then took a few steps with his bundle on his back, before turning back again.

My uncle was still standing at the door, and behind him, on the window paper of the kitchen, I could see my aunt washing dishes.

The voices of my younger cousins ​​could be faintly heard coming from inside the house.

He waved and turned to walk into the deepening twilight.