Chapter 4: Selling the Land Deed, Mastery of the Iron Thread Fist

Chapter 4: Selling the Land Deed, Mastery of the Iron Thread Fist

The next morning, a single ray of sunlight bathed the earth as a new day began.

Su Chen rose early, washed up quickly, and left without even eating breakfast. The streets were already bustling with vendors setting up shop. He stopped at a breakfast stall for a quick bite before weaving through narrow alleys to reach a quieter street—Ping San Street.

There stood Han’s Pawnshop, a fixture of the neighborhood for as long as anyone could remember. Gripping the land deed in his pocket, Su Chen steeled his resolve. Selling it was his only option. With his current strength, holding onto a house was uncertain at best. Better to convert it into coin to bolster his cultivation.

“Han’s Pawnshop has always been here. Rumors say it has powerful backing,” he mused. “In a city run by gangs, this place has stayed untouched. Its influence must run deep.”

Though exaggerated, the whispers held truth. Even the Black Water Gang avoided provoking the pawnshop. After hesitating briefly, Su Chen stepped inside. Despite the early hour, a line had already formed at the counter.

“Are they here to sell land deeds too?”

He joined the queue, catching a glimpse of the three men ahead of him clutching similar documents. Their clothes were finer than his, but their purpose matched his own.

“Bring me your deed,” the clerk barked, taking the first customer’s documents. The old man stammered, “My house sits by a clear stream and lush hills—prime location!”

The clerk raised an eyebrow. “How much?”

“Twenty taels!”

“Twenty?” The clerk scoffed. “A muddy ditch and a dirt hill? Ten taels, final offer.”

The old man clenched his jaw but signed the contract.

Next, a burly man declared, “My estate is secluded, perfect for nobles—great for hunting!”

“Thirty taels!”

“Remote and deserted. Fifteen, take it or leave.”

After a tense pause, the man relented.

The third customer fumbled nervously. “My property’s near the bustling market—prime for business!”

“Forty taels!”

“Ant-sized market. Ten taels.”

“No! That’s robbery!” The man stormed out, leaving Su Chen alone at the counter.

The clerk eyed him. “Your turn. Anything to say?”

Su Chen had heard enough. All the sales pitches had been used. He shook his head.

“Black Water Gang’s taken interest in it,” he said flatly.

The clerk froze, then scrutinized the deed. “Pingshi Street—gang territory. How much?”

“Twenty.”

“Too high. Ten.”

“Nineteen.”

“Eleven.”

…

They settled at thirteen taels. Pocketing the coins, Su Chen muttered, “Progress Panel, spend five taels—activate Easy Mode.”

The system updated:

[Easy Mode Activated: Practice Iron Thread Fist for twenty minutes to reach mastery.]

He threw a punch into the air.

+1%

Effective.

Finding a secluded spot, he resumed training.

+1%, +1%…

Twenty minutes later, a warm energy surged through him. The Progress Panel updated:

[Name: Su Chen]
[Martial Arts: Iron Thread Fist (Mastery 1%)]
[Easy Mode: Iron Thread Fist 0 uses (10 taels/activation)]

“Next time costs ten?!” Su Chen sighed. Between the deed’s proceeds and his savings, he couldn’t afford another activation. “Better save this for rent.”

He flexed his arm. Previously thin, it now rippled with visible muscle. A surge of power coursed through him, deepening his understanding of the technique.

Wait—his arm bore a faint crimson line, visible only when flexing.

“Iron Thread Fist… Could this crimson line be the ‘iron thread’?” He resolved to ask Senior Li Mo at the martial arts institute later.

Relaxing his fist, he headed to the housing agency. A new chapter—and a new home—awaited.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end