From a tuberculosis patient to a martial arts master

"Compete?"

Bai Ri Mang leaned against a pillar and let out a sneer.

He crossed his arms, glanced sideways at Zhu Hong, then quickly looked away, a disdainful smirk on his lips, and slowly said, "Compete for that kid? He's just a bit more energetic, he's not even worth a chance."

His tone was casual, and his words were tinged with languor.

"If you like it, feel free to go. I'm not going to join in this nonsense."

The head constable of Qingshan stroked his short beard and smoothly took over the conversation, his tone calm:

"The young man from Chicken and Goose Lane has a hidden tenacity; in terms of spirit, he's quite a formidable young man." He paused slightly, then gently shook his head.

"It's just that the heat is not yet high enough, and the foundation is too immature."

The attitude was made clear from the words.

I didn't like it.

Seeing that everyone had their own attitudes, Wang Zhenshan raised his eyes and swept his gaze over the remaining constables:

"What did you say?"

"Old Wang, you've picked out such a good prospect so easily, shouldn't you give me something in return?" Song Jiwen immediately stepped forward, nudged Wang Zhenshan's arm with his elbow, and said with a wink:

"We can't just stand there and watch."

"Trying to fool me? Then I won't choose. I'll just wait for you to pick first," Wang Zhenshan raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, not taking the bait, his tone relaxed:

"Whoever you choose, I will choose. We have to choose someone today, so you can make the decision."

"You rascal!" Song Jiwen's raised hand froze, then he withdrew it, laughing and scolding, shaking his head helplessly. "As unforgiving as ever, not giving an inch, still the same after all these years." As he spoke, his gaze had already swept over the row of martial arts performers, and he waved his hand dismissively.

"Fine, I already have someone else in mind, I won't compete with you."

Wang Zhenshan nodded slightly, then his joking smile with Song Jiwen faded, and he looked at Wei Qingyuan, asking:

"What, aren't you going to fight back?"

Wei Qingyuan raised his eyes and glanced at him indifferently: "Suit yourself."

"Oh?"

Wang Zhenshan raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly not expecting this answer.

He and Wei Qingyuan had never gotten along, and their feud had been brewing for years. He had thought that Wei Qingyuan would inevitably interfere and use the opportunity to settle things with him.

"That's quite rare."

He casually uttered a sentence, too lazy to delve further into this unusual situation, and walked towards the row of martial arts performers standing ramrod straight.

……

On the other side, in the martial arts troupe.

All the young men's eyes were immediately fixed on the big guy.

I can't help it, I'm so envious!

"Shidunzi."

The way they called her by that name was so affectionate.

Shi Dunzi, who was standing in the queue, glanced to the side and saw that it was none other than the always smiling Constable Jin.

"Hey big guy, wanna work for Master Jin?"

He wasn't tall, so he stood on tiptoe and patted the young man's chest, showing no airs whatsoever. He smiled and lowered his voice, saying, "Once you're here, you're family. From now on, Jinyang City is our own backyard. Besides," he added, "I'll add that..."

"The fourth room is full of juicy food; I guarantee you'll eat your fill."

Shi Dunzi had never seen anything like this before.

"Your Excellency is too kind." He was deeply moved by the man's high regard, his large, round eyes even reddening slightly. He hurriedly bowed deeply in gratitude.

"My life belongs to the adults!"

"Hey, what are you talking about, life or death?" Jin Buhuan laughed even harder, casually tossing a wooden waist token he had prepared into his arms:

"Here you go, from now on, stand up straight for Master Jin!"

Seeing this, everyone felt even worse. Their previous envy had turned into a burning jealousy, and they all clenched their jaws tightly.

"Thank you, sir!"

The moment the waist token was clutched tightly in his hand, the weight that had been hanging over Shidunzi's heart all day finally lifted.

Jin Buhuan smiled, his eyes crinkling:

"Alright, come with me. And," he glanced at the stone pillar still standing there stiffly, and waved his hand:

"Next time, call him Master Jin. Calling him 'Lord' is too awkward."

The stone pier responded with a loud thud:

"Hey! Mr. Jin." After saying that, he followed closely behind.

As he passed Zhu Hong, he raised his thick arm, patted his arm, and called out in a simple, honest voice:

"Zhu Hong, I'll be waiting for you behind."

……

Just as Jin Buhuan and his companion walked away, Wang Zhenshan arrived.

He bypassed the group of eagerly anticipating martial arts performers, his steps steady, and finally stopped firmly in front of Zhu Hong.

Zhu Hong was also looking at him.

Their eyes met mid-air.

"Officer Wang." Zhu Hong quickly cupped his hands and bowed, his back ramrod straight, displaying impeccable manners.

"Have you figured it out?"

Wang Zhenshan did not directly address the selection process, but instead abruptly threw out a seemingly unrelated remark.

"Return to my lord."

Zhu Hong understood perfectly; how could he not know what he was asking? He lowered his eyes and pondered for a moment, then looked up to meet Wang Zhenshan's gaze, his eyes clear and open, neither humble nor arrogant: "I have already figured it out. I came here to take this exam to secure this step and change my life."

"What a wonderful life-changing opportunity."

Wang Zhenshan no longer concealed the admiration in his eyes. He pulled out a black iron waist token from his robes, the word "Capture" engraved in clerical script, outlined in red lacquer, exuding a chilling aura. "My household has many rules and heavy tasks; nothing can be done carelessly. But remember this," he tossed the token aside, his voice lowered, carrying the boldness of a江湖人 (jianghu person, a person of the martial arts world):

"Once you've entered my ranks, from now on in this Golden Sun City..." His words fell heavily, each syllable striking: "There will be very few who can make you bow your head."

Zhu Hong's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Promises made in vain?

But I must say, this pancake is really delicious.

He gripped his waist token tightly, immediately bowed, and said loudly, "Your subordinate, Zhu Hong, thanks you for your guidance, sir!"

Hearing the clear and earnest reply, Wang Zhenshan smiled faintly, raised his hand to press down the bowing posture, and said with a hint of advice from someone who had been through it all: "No need for formalities. In the future, doing things practically is more effective than just shouting slogans."

Having said that, he strode towards the side corridor, tossing out a sentence without turning his head:

"Keep up, this isn't a place for you."

Zhu Hong quickly responded "Yes," and hurriedly followed behind. The two of them passed through envious and anxious gazes, one in front of the other.

The second person selected was not Chi Yejun, whom everyone had expected.

This outcome caused the martial arts students who were to be selected to sigh in hushed tones, their hearts filled with resentment.

As long as Chi Yejun stays, he occupies one of the spots. By this calculation, two of the original four spots have been taken, leaving only three spots.

Gan!

How unfair!

Just as everyone was pondering this, several constables arrived one after another.

"Take it."

Song Jiwen walked straight to a martial arts student in the queue, his face cold and hard, his tone crisp and clear, without the slightest hesitation: "Although the Fifth Branch is a clean department with no real benefits, it has one advantage: the knives in its hands are sharp enough."

He changed the subject:

"Would you be willing to come with me and do some dangerous, life-threatening work?"

"think!"

……