https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-105-Secret-Martial-Arts-Initiation/12971160/
Chapter 104: Finding the True Culprit?
Chapter 104: Finding the True Culprit?
As dusk fell, the Slum Area gradually quieted down.
Jiang Cheng sat by the table, illuminated by candlelight, eating his dinner.
He hadn't gone to set up his stall in the afternoon.
Ever since he obtained the secret manual of Shattered Jade Fist at noon yesterday, he had devoted himself entirely to practicing the martial arts.
So far, nearly thirty hours had passed.
Jiang Cheng's mind stirred, and a panel appeared.
【Shattered Jade Fist (Upper Volume): Beginner (2343.4/3000)】
He was only about a third away from filling the experience bar.
At the same time, the effect of the Black Jade Ointment had also decreased significantly. From the initial tenfold increase, it had now dropped to sevenfold, and he estimated that by tomorrow, it would be sixfold, fivefold, or even fourfold.
"Following this trend, I should be able to reach the beginner level by tomorrow at the latest."
Jiang Cheng's heart filled with anticipation.
Once he reached the beginner level in Shattered Jade Fist, he would be able to absorb Primordial Energy into his body.
He wondered what it would feel like at that moment.
During his breaks from practicing, he had also tried to cultivate the Shattered Jade Technique.
Even though the incantations in the manual were cryptic, Jiang Cheng still managed to produce results. After meditating, he gained 0.1 points of experience.
When he saw the 5000-point experience bar for the Shattered Jade Technique, Jiang Cheng decisively abandoned the idea and decided to follow the advice of numerous seniors in the manual, choosing to wait until he could absorb a trace of Primordial Energy through the Shattered Jade Fist before cultivating.
Just then, a series of knocks sounded at the door.
"Xiao Cheng, are you home? It's me, Liu Sao."
A woman's voice echoed outside.
"It's Liu Sao."
Unlike in the afternoon when he had ignored the knocks, Jiang Cheng responded this time.
Firstly, he was practicing his martial arts, and the manual was on the table. If someone saw it, it might bring trouble.
Secondly, the person outside was one of the two households he had asked to keep an eye on his home.
"Yes, Liu Sao, I'm here. Is there something you wanted to discuss with me?" he asked, opening the door.
"Wait a moment, I'll be right there."
Jiang Cheng put away the manual and walked over to open the door.
Outside stood a middle-aged woman, around five feet tall, with a sallow complexion and thin frame.
Seeing Jiang Cheng open the door, her smile grew even brighter.
Noticing the food on the table, she quickly said, "Xiao Cheng, I'm so sorry to disturb your dinner."
"It's fine."
Jiang Cheng had already guessed her intention, and since he was about to continue his martial arts practice, he directly asked, "Liu Sao, did you come to borrow money?"
Upon hearing this, the woman revealed an embarrassed smile.
She had originally planned to make some small talk.
"Well, I didn't want to bring this up, but the Iron Fist Gang came to the street today."
"The Iron Fist Gang?"
Jiang Cheng's heart skipped a beat at this news.
"Yes, I heard there were over a dozen of them, each one looking fierce and menacing. They said that in three days, they'll take over the street. From then on, anyone who wants to set up a stall will have to pay 2500 yuan a month."
Liu Sao hurriedly explained.
"So, they're increasing the fee by almost thirty percent. When the Wild Wolf Gang was in charge, it was only 2000 yuan a month, but now the Iron Fist Gang has raised it to 2500. Not only that, but the management fee has also gone up by fifty percent, to 1500 yuan a month."
Her face took on a pleading expression, "Xiao Cheng, you know our situation. The Wild Wolf Gang just collected the management fee a few days ago, and we barely scraped together the 2000 yuan. Now the Iron Fist Gang is here, asking for 1500. We really can't come up with that much money, Xiao Cheng. Can you lend us some? We'll definitely pay you back when we have the money!"
Hearing this, Jiang Cheng sighed.
"Liu Sao, I don't have much money left either."
If he lent out this money, there was a 90% chance he'd never see it again.
Moreover, if the news of Liu Sao borrowing money from him spread to the other families, wouldn't they come asking for loans too?
What about the other families in the area? Even if he had the unexpected windfall of over 20,000 yuan, he couldn't afford to spend it like this.
"Little Cheng, I'm begging you. Please help us. We really can't come up with that much money. If we can't pay it back, we'll definitely be kicked out." As she spoke, she was about to kneel.
Fortunately, Jiang Cheng was quick to react and grabbed her.
"Liu Sao, you can say it, but..."
Jiang Cheng's eyebrows furrowed, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
"Little Cheng..."
Liu Sao's eyes darted away.
"Alright, Liu Sao, you go back first. If I have some money in a few days, I'll lend you some. If not, I won't be able to help."
"Little Cheng..."
Liu Sao wanted to say something more, but seeing Jiang Cheng's displeased expression, she had no choice but to leave.
Jiang Cheng locked the door and exhaled.
This Liu Sao indeed had some ulterior motives, which made him dislike her.
But blaming and resenting these weak women was unreasonable.
They were victims too, and the real culprit was the Iron Fist Gang, or rather, countless gangs like them.
The stall fees and management fees were not inherently wrong, but everything should be done in moderation. Moreover, each time, they demanded more and more.
Jiang Cheng looked down at his arms and thought, "I must become stronger!"
At the same time, in the streets, the gambling hall's doors were tightly shut, and the first floor lobby was dark.
Only a room on the second floor had its lights on.
Wang Weisen looked at the list in his hand, flipping through it several times, feeling a ball of gloom and anger in his heart.
"Is this the result of your investigation these past few days? Not a single suspect? Are you trying to fool me?" He slammed the table, shouting at the two men standing before him.
He had spent over 100,000 yuan on the investigation, not including the half of Yue Shan's wealth he gave as a bribe to investigate the Iron Fist Gang and delay their arrival.
And just at noon, Yue Shan sent word that he had done his best, and at most, the Iron Fist Gang would arrive in three more days.
As it turned out, they had indeed arrived.
All in all, there were only seven or eight days left, less than half of the agreed-upon half a month.
There was nothing he could do; the defeated had no say in the matter.
But what he hadn't expected was that after so many days, the martial arts academy hadn't found any results either. This made him look like a fool.
"Sen Ge, please don't get angry."
One of them quickly spoke up, "Is it possible that the people on this list aren't the real culprits? And I've found a clue; that person is probably the one who killed Leopard Brother and the others."
Wang Weisen was about to get angry, but upon hearing the latter part, he suppressed his impulse and asked, "What clue?"
"Sen Ge, do you remember the boy who sold roasted sweet potatoes that I mentioned to you a couple of days ago?" The man said with a smile.
Wang Weisen narrowed his eyes, his voice cold, "I remember. So, you must be thinking of telling me that he's the one who killed Leopard Brother, right?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
