Chapter 73: Limit - Chasing Wind Steps, Lin and Fang Alliance

Chapter 73: Limit - Chasing Wind Steps, Lin and Fang Alliance (Please Subscribe)

For three consecutive days, the Gold Exchange still hadn't opened this service. Even though Su Chen had money, he refused to exchange it.

After inquiring at several places, Su Chen stopped focusing on the Gold Exchange.

"This channel might be cut off, but there are still other options. Senior apprentices Fang Rou and Liu Fang, Senior apprentice Li Mo, or even the Long River Gang—all are possibilities."

Fang Rou and Liu Fang's families were particularly wealthy, likely stockpiling gold. Li Mo's wife's Zhang family wasn't lacking either—the difference lay only in quantities.

As for the Long River Gang, despite its short establishment, its rapid growth had sparked rumors that it bribed County Magistrate Tao Wenxuan with vast sums to rise in power.

With its current momentum, the gang probably had gold reserves too.

Of course, these were just Su Chen's guesses. Still, he'd listed the most plausible options. Now the question was—where to exchange?

The Long River Gang was out of the question. Though he held an honorary member title, he was essentially paid to be a figurehead with no real authority or connections there. They might not even cooperate.

So Su Chen focused on Fang Rou, Liu Fang, and Li Mo. After deliberation, he chose the wealthiest—Fang Rou. Why waste time asking multiple places when he could go straight to the source?

Resolute, he headed to the Fang residence. Walking the streets, he saw desolation everywhere. Most shops were closed, contrasting sharply with crowded grain and oil stores.

"Medicine Gang's charity alms! Everyone hurry—it'll run out!"

Suddenly, a man's shout echoed. At these words, previously listless refugees suddenly surged with energy, rushing toward a corner.

"Medicine Gang?" Su Chen murmured, puzzled. A gang distributing charity seemed absurd.

Still, since their paths diverged, he dismissed it and continued walking.

"Ow!"

Suddenly, a ragged child collided with him. Su Chen gave a strange look as the boy immediately tried to flee. Blocking his path, Su Chen calmly retrieved his stolen money pouch under the child's stunned gaze.

Caught off-guard by Su Chen's quick detection and unshaken demeanor, the boy froze without resistance.

After reclaiming his pouch, Su Chen ignored the child. With the city in chaos, one needed constant vigilance against thieves.

Half a stick of incense later, Su Chen reached the Fang residence. Fang Rou, her face lined with worry, greeted him. Compared to the Lin Clan's plight, the Fangs fared little better—guard deaths, cargo thefts, and partnership cancellations after Lianyun Fortress's threats had drained their finances.

Seeing Su Chen, she felt curious. "Little junior brother, what brings you here?"

He stated his purpose. Fang Rou blinked. "You want to exchange ten taels of gold?"

Su Chen nodded.

"Wait while I check", she said after a pause, sensing his seriousness.

"Trouble you, senior sister."

Fang Rou invited him in, then returned shortly. "Junior brother, here's ten taels of gold."

"Thank you, senior sister!" Su Chen stood, grateful.

"No problem."

She accepted his silver notes but waived transaction fees, making him feel awkward. Insisting, she escorted him out.

"Please don't see me off, senior sister!"

She nodded, watching him leave before returning inside.

"Recharge!"

"Activate Easy Mode."

The Progress Panel lit: [Easy Mode Activated: Walk one hour to perfect Chasing Wind Steps.]

An hour later, a sudden liberation washed over Su Chen. His steps felt unshackled, movements lighter.

"Now that Chasing Wind Steps reached Limit, other techniques have little room for growth. Time to focus on Iron Shirt!"

Removing the "Incomplete" tag had long bothered him. He wondered what level would erase it—and how strong he'd become then.

Excited yet daunted by the cultivation costs, he sighed. A cold shower indeed.

"Afternoon—visit the county office for tasks."

County Courthouse.

A clerk stood solemnly as Tao Wenxuan calmly reviewed cases before sighing. "The city grows increasingly unstable. Cases have doubled, brawls endless."

The clerk remained silent. Tao had voiced this often—yet took no action.

Suddenly, Tao looked up. "How are the Lin and Fang Clans acting?"

"The Lins gather experts seeking revenge on Lianyun Fortress to reclaim Lin Family Fortress. They contacted the Fangs for alliance."

"Ah? Lin Lu's death and fortress loss finally pushed them", Tao mused.

The clerk hesitated. "They request our assistance."

"Assistance? We have none to spare", Tao shook his head, then smiled. "But lend some officers. Let's see if they reclaim the fortress this time."

"Yes! Also, any news from Dingfang?"

"He'll arrive shortly."

"Report!" A shout interrupted.

"Enter", the clerk ordered.

"County Magistrate, County Clerk—Yang Guo appeared at the courthouse entrance requesting an audience."

Tao chuckled. "Seems we were both deceived by Pure Land Sect. Let's meet him."

A teacup later, Su Chen faced Tao Wenxuan and the clerk. After pleasantries, he stated his purpose.

But Tao Wenxuan's promises proved too grand for Su Chen's satisfaction.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end