Chapter 70: A Subtle Warning

Zhuang Jin used a deft force; the tall man tumbled to the ground, rolling over several times. He looked rather pathetic, but in truth had not suffered any real injury. Still, he put on a show of pain and cried out, “From the Shen family?!”

“Riffraff from the Medicine King Sect!” On this side, the others who had followed along also recognized the martial artists from the Medicine King Sect. In particular, Jiang Wei was unusually agitated, his eyes red as if he wanted to rush forward for revenge.

Beside him, Pan Zimo and Du Yunqi hurriedly held Jiang Wei back.

On the second floor, two martial artists from the Medicine King Sect had also heard the commotion and came down quickly.

“Master Zhou, Master Zhang, they’re from the Shen family!” The tall man scrambled to his feet with a fawning smile, bowing obsequiously as he stood behind the two.

Seeing this, Zhou Yuan showed a trace of disdain on his face, while the one surnamed Zhang looked amused, as though watching a spectacle. Yet with outsiders present, their attention swiftly shifted.

Zhuang Jin took in their reactions, his gaze quickly settling on Zhou Yuan. He surmised that it was Zhou Yuan who had just kicked the tall man down. Thinking of how the previously stubborn and headstrong man had just been humiliated and struck in public, yet now showed not a hint of resentment and instead sought to curry favor, Zhuang Jin could not help but note the dramatic change in him.

Zhou Yuan and Zhang both noticed Zhuang Jin’s group, and especially when they saw the three lines on the shoulders of Zhuang Jin and two others, a hint of wariness flickered in their eyes.

“Let’s go!” They turned and headed into a private room.

“Brother Zhuang, today is not the day to stir up trouble,” Ke Jingxing came over and spoke quietly.

The implication was clear: if Zhuang Jin wanted to settle the score for the earlier affront, there would be plenty of opportunities in the future—no need to rush.

Zhuang Jin nodded without a word, and together they proceeded to the private room they had reserved in advance.

Thus, nothing further occurred.

Meanwhile, the tall man followed Zhou Yuan and Zhang out, but looked back at Zhuang Jin with a complicated expression: So you’ve already reached the third meridian stage? You’ve truly become the ‘master’ you once spoke of, and I…

At this thought, a look of restrained resolve flashed in his eyes. Everyone had changed from who they once were… Truly, truly a good thing!

…

In the private room, Zhuang Jin, Ke Jingxing, Song Jie, and the others entered and sat according to hierarchy—seat placement was a matter of protocol. As one of only three third meridian martial artists present and a squad leader, Zhuang Jin took a prominent seat, while the highest and most honored place was left for Commander Duan.

From Ke Jingxing, Zhuang Jin had already learned that the commander of Furong Street was named Duan Tao, a true fourth meridian master.

A short while later, a middle-aged man in a black jacket entered. He looked to be in his late thirties or early forties, his complexion sallow, and his demeanor taciturn and deep.

As soon as he arrived, the veterans like Ke Jingxing and Song Jie stood up at once, and the newcomers—including Zhuang Jin—immediately recognized him and rose as well.

Duan Tao nodded slightly, took the principal seat without hesitation, then signaled for everyone to sit. Only then did the others retake their seats.

His gaze swept the room, pausing on Zhuang Jin. With a smile that did not reach his eyes, he said, “You’re Zhuang Jin, aren’t you? I heard you participated in the martial recruitment and joined our Shen family. In just four months, you broke through to the third meridian stage, and now you’re close to completing its accumulation. Truly, a prodigy in your youth! To have you here brings great honor to my Furong Street!”

Zhuang Jin, keenly perceptive, did not take these words as genuine praise.

A show of authority, is it?

He caught Ke Jingxing’s subtle signal, nodded slightly, and rose—not to protest false humility, but simply replying, “I do have some talent, but more than that, I have received much support from others. To be able to come to Furong Street this month and work under your command is my good fortune. Allow me to offer you a toast, Commander.”

“Well said!”

As Zhuang Jin stood and spoke, Ke Jingxing immediately echoed his words and got up to pour the wine. In his heart, he silently praised Zhuang Jin’s response: acknowledging his talent without arrogance, demonstrating his value, hinting at his ability to get along with colleagues, and ending with a toast as a gesture of loyalty.

Qian Wende also nodded in appreciation, inwardly giving Zhuang Jin a thumbs-up—truly worthy of being called ‘Brother Zhuang’!

The reactions among the dozen or so present varied. The other squad leader, Song Jie, understood the subtleties and looked over in surprise at Zhuang Jin’s composure. Among the second and first meridian martial artists, some were thoughtful, some smiled and nodded in agreement, while others were simply bewildered.

Duan Tao regarded Zhuang Jin deeply, inwardly admitting that reputation was not undeserved—Zhuang Jin lived up to his name, a man of substance.

If his opening words seemed like an attempt to intimidate or assert authority, it was not out of pure jealousy—though a touch of it was inevitable at such talent. As the commander of an entire district, he could not afford to let emotion dictate his actions. His true intent was clear: however great your talent, now you are under my command, and you must obey orders and follow direction.

Zhuang Jin’s attitude had made that plain—he was no reckless youth, and there was no need to press him further, sparing much potential trouble.

“Good, you seem to understand the way of things. If you serve diligently in Furong Street, you will be rewarded in due time,” Duan Tao nodded in approval.

So, after testing his obedience, now comes the promise of rewards?

Zhuang Jin understood the routine and played his part, feigning deep gratitude and downing three cups in succession. “Thank you for your care, Commander. I will remember it always.”

Duan Tao’s expression softened further at this. An old hand like him could hardly mistake the meaning—Zhuang Jin was promising not to forget this kindness should he achieve future success.

Thus, the gains and losses were clear. Zhuang Jin was exceptionally gifted, and with no conflict of interest, it was better to have him as a friend rather than an enemy. Should Zhuang Jin achieve greatness, it would reflect well on Duan Tao’s leadership, and any goodwill sown now would become a valuable connection in the future.

Knowing how to choose, Duan Tao grew more affable. With Zhuang Jin’s tact, Ke Jingxing’s mediation, and Qian Wende’s efforts to liven the atmosphere, the meal ended with all parties pleased.

Afterward, lots were drawn to determine the night watch schedule; Zhuang Jin was fortunate, drawing a favorable spot—his shift would come after those of Ke Jingxing and Song Jie, his first watch falling on the third night of the month.

With that settled, the group departed.

Just as Zhuang Jin and the others were leaving, in another private room of the Golden Magnolia Tower, Zhuang Yuyong greeted a guest with a broad smile. “Chief Yu…”

…

Afternoon, after their return from the meal.

A fourth meridian master truly is different—what a heavy presence. Still, it won’t be long before I am one as well!

Zhuang Jin’s restraint at noon was deliberate; this month he was under Duan Tao’s command, and rank alone could crush a man. It was unwise to make an enemy. Even if he was only a day or two away from his own breakthrough to the fourth meridian, he had not yet crossed that threshold.

I sense I’ll likely break through today, though it might be delayed till tomorrow. The lot-drawing for night watch hasn’t happened yet—who knows which day I’ll be assigned? If I had drawn the first night and already offended Duan Tao, he could easily make things difficult or block my shift. If that happened, I might be forced into night duty while still at the third meridian—it simply isn’t worth the risk.

Zhuang Jin shook his head lightly, dismissing the thought. He continued his cultivation into the afternoon until, just before dusk, that familiar sense of swelling spread through his meridians…