Being forced to grow like a pig? But I'm immune to the consequences!

He changed the subject, his expression becoming serious: "Enough with the pleasantries. I appreciate the thought of you two coming to say goodbye. Whether we need each other in the future or not, we've formed this good relationship."

He said to Mohan, "Mohan, let me know when your assignment is decided. I have some acquaintances in other districts who can give you a heads-up so you can get a foothold as soon as possible."

"Thank you, Senior Passa!" Mohan quickly clasped his hands in thanks.

Pasa's gaze returned to Wu Sheng, his tone becoming more serious: "Wu Sheng, regarding the inner city... there's really only so much I can do to help you. I have a few old acquaintances there, but they're just 'old acquaintances.' Once people from the outer city enter the inner city, their statuses are worlds apart, and it's hard to say how much of that past affection will remain. I can give you a few names, but if you encounter trouble, whether they'll recognize you or help you depends entirely on your own fate."

Wu Sheng nodded: "I understand." What he admired about Pasa was precisely this—no empty promises, no pretense, just laying bare the reality.

Passa pondered for a moment, then lowered his voice: "Also, I've found some information about your rival."

Wu Sheng's eyes narrowed.

"Xu Wenbo, 23 years old, entered the inner city three years ago, and is currently at the seventh level of Body Tempering."

"As far as I know, he is currently serving as a servant in one of the three major families. These three families—that is, the noble families of the three major surnames—are the true rulers of Yangon. You will understand this once you enter the inner city."

"Servants of the three great families may not sound prestigious, but their status is actually second only to nobles, and they have access to a lot of information unknown to outsiders. If they are favored by a noble, they may even rise to the top in one step."

Changing the subject, Pasa's tone became more certain, "However, you don't need to worry too much. As far as I know, Xu Wenbo has been stuck at the seventh level of Body Tempering for quite some time. The transition from the seventh level to a Martial Artist is a major hurdle, and only one in ten can cross it. If nothing unexpected happens, he will never be able to reach the Martial Artist realm in his lifetime."

He paused, his eyes sharpening. "The one you really need to be careful of is his younger brother. According to my information, his brother has good talent, and with his father paving the way, he's very likely to become a martial artist."

"Thank you very much, senior. I will remember this in my heart," Wu Sheng said solemnly.

The information provided by Passa was crucial to him.

Pasa gave her final advice: "In short, be careful once you're inside the city. That's all I can do to help you."

……

Soon after, Wu Sheng and Mo Han returned to the dormitory. The dormitory was empty, but Wang An was still waiting there.

Upon seeing the two enter, Wang An quickly lowered his head, not daring to look them in the eye.

Wu Sheng glanced at him once and then looked away—this kind of person was not worth his attention.

After packing their luggage, the two left the dormitory where they had lived for a month and also left the Hyena Gang's base, heading home.

Wang An was still waiting anxiously in his dormitory. He waited and waited, but Yan Liang still didn't return, and he couldn't help but start to worry.

But he had no choice but to continue waiting. Yan Liang was destined for the inner city, and his future status in the settlement would likely be similar to that of the Xu family back then. He had to curry favor with him.

And so, Wang An waited until nightfall.

"Bang!"

The dormitory door was suddenly pushed open, and a noisy commotion mixed with the smell of alcohol rushed in, waking Wang An from his drowsy state.

Yan Liang and Tu Nan were seen.

Then, several other students walked in, their arms around each other's shoulders, all with flushed faces and speaking in louder voices than usual.

"Brother Liang, don't forget about us once you're inside the inner city!"

"Don't worry, don't worry, we're all brothers!"

"Let's get together again sometime!"

"This liquor is really strong!"

Wang An hurriedly got out of bed and approached Yan Liang, his tone tinged with reproach: "Where did you go? Why did it take you so long to come back?"

Yan Liang seemed to only then notice him, casually waving his hand, his breath reeking of alcohol: "Oh, I went out for a meal with Tu Nan and a few others, just to get together."

"Eat...eat?" Wang An froze on the spot, a chilling sense of loss and embarrassment instantly washing over him. They had clearly agreed to leave together...Yan Liang had actually abandoned him and gone to celebrate with someone else?

He wanted to question him, to express his dissatisfaction, but seeing Yan Liang's nonchalant, even slightly tipsy and aloof expression, he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue. In the end, he just stood there silently, watching Yan Liang being surrounded by those people, continuing to talk loudly, as if he were just an insignificant background figure.

……

Inside the settlement, lights were sparse.

The return of Wu Sheng and Mo Han, and the amazing news they brought, instantly ignited joy in both families.

Wu Yu, the older sister, gripped Wu Sheng's hand tightly, her eyes red and brimming with tears, her voice choked with emotion: "Xiao Sheng... Xiao Sheng, you really did it! If Mom and Dad knew, they would be so happy..."

Wu Sheng grasped his sister's cold, rough hand in return, his voice steady and firm: "Sister, you used to take care of me. From now on, I'll take care of this family. We'll get better every day."

After the initial excitement subsided, the group leader, Arif, rushed over upon hearing the news.

"Wu Sheng, Mo Han, congratulations! You've really brought honor to our community!" Arif said with a sincere smile.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Mr. Wu, has the Hyena Gang mentioned anything about tax reductions or exemptions for their settlement area?"

"Don't worry, Chief," Wu Sheng immediately understood his purpose. "I will go to the gang to register tomorrow, and the exemption quota will be allocated to this gathering place."

Upon hearing this, Arif visibly relaxed, his smile widening. He then pulled a cloth bag from his pocket and handed it to Wu Sheng: "This is the two thousand yuan you gave me back then. Now, it's returned to its rightful owner."

Wu Sheng did not accept it: "Chief Arif, this money was supposed to be payment for your protection. Last time Xu Wenbo came, we were very grateful for your help in mediating."

Arif, however, remained resolute, shoving the cloth bag into Wu Sheng's hands: "One thing at a time. You are people of the settlement, and as the settlement leader, it is my duty to protect you. Now that you have broken through to the fourth level and brought real benefits to the entire settlement, it would be unreasonable and unsettling for me to take this money."

He patted Wu Sheng on the shoulder, his tone sincere: "Take it. The inner city is different from the outer city; there are many more expenses. Two thousand dollars is a huge sum in the outer city, but in the inner city... it's probably just a drop in the bucket. Consider it a little extra travel money from the settlement."

Seeing that Arif's mind was made up and his eyes were open and honest, Wu Sheng no longer declined, put away the cloth bag, and solemnly said, "Thank you, Chief."

On the other side, it was early morning.

After exchanging pleasantries with Tu Nan and the others, wishing them well and promising to stay in touch, Yan Liang, still slightly tipsy and smug, returned to his gathering place with the silent Wang An.