Apotheosis Begins with Tai Chi

"Afraid? It’s more than that! If anything happens to Chen Cheng anytime soon, it’ll all be blamed on that father and son! The official family, the Commerce Association, and the Dragon Mountain Upper Courtyard will definitely hold them accountable!"

"Tsk... Is this how a genius is treated? Even if he pokes a hole in the sky, there will always be people to clean up his mess and protect him!"

"That’s nothing! Look over there, the spies from all the major factions are swarming him!"

"Tsk... It’s like all the stars revolving around the moon!"

The crowd erupted. Cries of shock, heated discussions, and cheers created a chaotic din, a boiling pot of noise that threatened to overturn the entire training ground.

And the spies from the major factions, who had been weaving through the crowd, were now all swarming toward Dragon Mountain Hall.

The Patrol Office Constables formed one line of defense and the Dragon Mountain Disciples formed another, but many people still forced their way through. In the end, Cao Zhao, Zhu Mingyuan, and the others had to stop them three feet from Chen Cheng.

"Little Brother Chen! I’m the steward from the Qi Family... This is my family’s calling card! Please, accept it!"

"Lord Cheng! Lord Cheng! This... I’m from Wan Tong Money Shop... Look at me!"

"Move, move! I’m with the Commerce Association! Elder Wu sent me! Stop pushing! You mother... FUCK! Who the hell just poked me in the ass!?"

"Lord Cheng! My master wishes to invite you to his estate for a discussion! We would be deeply honored by your presence!"

One by one, they desperately craned their necks, squeezing their heads through the gaps between people. Their faces were flushed red, veins bulging, as they stretched their arms forward as far as they could, their ten fingers straining as if their lives depended on it.

They were like a pack of starving beasts, lunging forward recklessly, ready to tear Chen Cheng to pieces and each take a chunk home...

If Cao Zhao hadn’t used his Power to forcefully push a few of them back, this last line of defense would have been breached long ago.

The seething fervor of the crowd was so intense it felt like it could physically combust.

Even Ye Yang couldn’t help but furrow his brow.

This was the first time he had ever seen such a frenzied scene surrounding a Middle Courtyard Disciple.

Among everyone present, only Chen Cheng remained as calm as ever, a hint of amusement showing only in the depths of his eyes.

’Isn’t this scene just like a massive celebrity-chasing event from my past life?’

"Chen Cheng, come with me."

Ye Yang quickly came to his senses. He placed a hand on Chen Cheng’s shoulder, then half-guided him away.

For one, it wasn’t good for Chen Cheng to remain there and cause more chaos. For another, Wu Shannan had already given Ye Yang a meaningful look from a distance.

Soon, Ye Yang had brought Chen Cheng over to Wu Shannan.

The attendants and guards of Pang Shixun and Wu Shannan immediately stepped forward. A dozen powerfully built men in tight-fitting clothes stood there like a human wall, completely blocking off the pursuing crowd.

"Young man, that move of yours just now truly astonished me! The younger generation is truly formidable!"

Wu Shannan did not hold back his praise. His face still wore the gentle smile of an ordinary wealthy old man, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes deepening his kind and benevolent appearance.

"Are you interested in taking up a post with my South District Commerce Association?"

Wu Shannan paused, his tone growing more serious.

"Each month, I am willing to give you three Three-tailed Treasure Fish. You would only need to perform an errand three times. The tasks aren’t difficult—just round trips to Black Cloud Lake, escorting the Treasure Fish back to the city."

"Furthermore, if there are other tasks, or if we need you to participate in a sparring match, the payment will be calculated separately. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed."

Treasure Fish!

Black Cloud Lake!

Chen Cheng’s heart stirred.

Over the past month, his supply of Exotic Tiger Dried Meat had started to run low.

Treasure Fish were the exact resource he desperately needed right now.

However, Black Cloud Lake was a Green Forest Bandit Nest even more notorious than Grass Head Mountain or Erjiao Mountain.

The waterways within the lake were complex, and reeds stretched as far as the eye could see, making it impossible for outsiders to tell east from west, or north from south.

It was said that the Water Bandits inside were elusive, and every single one was an expert swimmer. If they could win a fight, they fought; if not, they’d dive into the water, more slippery than loaches.

In recent years, the Captain’s Mansion had launched several cleanup operations, but all ended in failure with heavy losses.

Eventually, the official family simply washed their hands of the matter, allowing the Water Bandits to grow unchecked.

Now, the Black Cloud Water Stronghold was already well-established and had become even more difficult to eliminate.

Chen Cheng had heard Qian Baolu mention that the official family in the Inner City had even begun attempts to offer them amnesty, and had tacitly permitted some of the city’s major factions to have dealings with the Black Cloud Water Stronghold.

"What’s wrong? Are you worried about the danger?"

Wu Shannan was a man of great perception; he saw through Chen Cheng’s thoughts in a single glance and continued with a chuckle.

"My South District Commerce Association has always had a good relationship with the Black Cloud Water Stronghold. The risk in escorting the Treasure Fish is actually not that high. We hire Martial Artists for the escort primarily as a precaution."

Chen Cheng didn’t respond, but glanced sideways at Ye Yang. Seeing Ye Yang give a slight nod, he could basically confirm that Wu Shannan wasn’t lying.

On the premise that the risk was manageable, Chen Cheng wasn’t opposed to taking this post.

"How about this."

Wu Shannan thought for a moment, then said.

"Try it for a month first. If you’re willing to continue with the post, that would be for the best. If not, I won’t force you."

"Thank you for your consideration, Elder Wu. Let’s do as you’ve said!"

Chen Cheng cupped his fist and nodded, his tone no longer hesitant.

In his view, the biggest fear for a Martial Artist cooperating with a major faction was getting on the wrong pirate ship.

Now that Wu Shannan had given him a promise that he could jump ship at any time, what reason did he have to refuse?

"Good, then it’s settled."

Wu Shannan paused, then added.

"The Treasure Fish aren’t handed out on a fixed schedule. Each time you complete an escort, you can take one with you upon returning to the city. Three times a month."

"Understood, thank you!"

Chen Cheng nodded emphatically.

"Young man."

Beside them, Pang Shixun spoke up. His eyes were narrowed as he carefully scrutinized Chen Cheng, a hint of approval in their depths.

"I had originally planned to arrange a post for you in the Captain’s Mansion... but seeing how cautious you are, I’m afraid you wouldn’t be willing..."

"Elder Pang sees clearly."

Chen Cheng cupped his fist and turned to the other side.

"The Captain’s Mansion is indeed not suitable for me."

Pang Shixun nodded. His narrowed eyes suddenly snapped open, revealing a pair of tiger-like eyes that commanded respect without any sign of anger.

"Would you mind if I examined your bones?"

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