OBS Chapter 32 points out
Chapter 32 points out
The spring breeze was chilly, blowing through the front yard of the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School, but it couldn't dispel the pent-up energy within.
The once-solid mud ground was compacted by the footsteps of the crowd, and the new buds of several old locust trees trembled slightly in the wind, casting dappled shadows.
Just then, a flurry of footsteps sounded at the moon gate, and a group of people stepped inside.
Leading the group was the third senior brother, still dashing in his light gray tweed hunting outfit.
He wore his usual calm smile and walked with a light step.
However, the five people following behind him made the air in the courtyard suddenly become more tense.
The five men were all dressed in identical dark black police uniforms, the woolen fabric crisp and the epaulets and brass buttons gleaming coldly in the spring sunlight.
Their steps were steady and uniform, half a step behind their third senior brother, like stars surrounding the moon, yet they possessed a chilling aura of long-held power and wielding violence.
Zhou Tong's gaze swept over the five people like a dragonfly skimming the water, and his heart skipped a beat.
Black clothes, brass buttons, and especially the distinctive insignia pattern on the cuffs and collar—this is the uniform of a squad leader in the police station.
As far as he knew, the squad leaders of the police station were divided into civil and military officers. The civil officers were in charge of internal affairs and general affairs, while the military officers who could lead teams on field missions and were responsible for inspection and suppression could not be appointed by anyone other than a Bone Forging Realm martial artist.
Five people came at once, which shows how much the third senior brother values this competition, or rather, how much he values the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School as a talent source.
"Greetings, Third Senior Brother!"
"Greetings, Third Senior Brother!"
The disciples in the courtyard clasped their hands in greeting and saluted, their voices rising and falling in a more solemn manner than usual.
The third senior brother smiled and waved, his unrestrained and carefree demeanor strangely blending with his official status.
He stopped, turned to the side, pointed to the five people behind him, and introduced them in a clear voice:
"Did you all see that? Those of you who were lucky enough to stand out today will be working under these company commanders from now on. Why don't you hurry up and get acquainted with them?"
Upon hearing this, the disciples quickly bowed and clasped their hands in greeting to the five company commanders, their voices even louder and more unified: "Greetings, Company Commanders!"
The five squad leaders were unusually polite, with perfectly measured smiles on their faces. They returned the greetings with clasped hands, saying things like, "The Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School is full of talented people, exactly the kind of capable people our bureau urgently needs," and "We are short of skilled men under our command, so welcome to join us."
For a moment, the atmosphere in the courtyard became quite lively.
Zhou Tong observed this scene with perfect clarity.
Ninety-nine percent of this politeness was due to the Third Senior Brother's status as the Deputy Director of the Police Bureau; the remaining ten percent was for the "talented individuals" and "outstanding talents" of the Dragon Tiger Martial Arts School.
At this moment, a sharp-eyed company commander smiled and cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards his third senior brother:
"Boss, we have long admired Director Ni's reputation. Now that we have arrived at this esteemed place, would you allow us to pay our respects to him in person?"
The other four also lit up and immediately echoed, their words sincere.
Upon hearing this, the third senior brother, still maintaining his elegant demeanor, simply shook his head:
"I appreciate your kind intentions on behalf of my master. However, my master is in seclusion and does not receive visitors, so it is really inconvenient to disturb him."
Despite being refused, the smiles on the faces of the five company commanders did not fade at all; instead, they repeatedly said:
"We were being presumptuous. Director Ni's cultivation is of utmost importance."
"Yes, yes, everything is for Director Ni's cultivation."
Their attitude was respectful and natural, as if being turned away was perfectly normal, and they showed no dissatisfaction whatsoever.
Zhou Tong took in all of this, and the vague understanding that his father's words had given him became incredibly clear and concrete.
Ni Dongting's status was so high that even a mid-level official who held partial power of violence in a city couldn't get a meeting with him.
No wonder his father once said that if he could become Director Ni's personal disciple, he could go all out in business.
Zhou Tong's eyes flickered slightly, and he subconsciously took a deep breath. The cool air rushed into his lungs, allowing the shock in his heart to subside slightly.
Ji Chang, who was standing to the side, keenly caught the fleeting look of surprise on Zhou Tong's face.
He smiled almost imperceptibly and raised an eyebrow at her.
Then, without making a sound, he shifted his weight half a step towards Zhou Tong, his shoulder almost touching Zhou Tong's shoulder, his head slightly tilted, and the movement of his lips was so small that only Zhou Tong could see it.
"You've seen it now, haven't you?"
Ji Chang's voice was extremely low, fast, and soft, yet every word was clear:
"Seriously speaking, in the entire Cangzhou City, among all the prominent figures—officials, businessmen, and both the legitimate and underworld—if you put them all together, my master would definitely be among the top. That's the weight of a Grand Martial Master!"
Zhou Tong did not respond immediately, but nodded almost imperceptibly, his gaze fixed on the respectful-looking squad leaders, his eyes filled with deeper contemplation.
Seeing this, Ji changed the subject, lowering his voice even further:
"Let me tell you something honestly: do you think that Third Senior Brother's position as deputy director is so secure on his own?"
Hey, actually it's also inseparable from my master's prestigious reputation!
Upon hearing this, Zhou Tong glanced at Ji Chang and whispered, "Using force to enhance your own importance? Or... do you rely on each other?"
He used his words cautiously, with an air of inquiry.
"Mutual reliance? That's a nice way of putting it."
Ji Chang grinned, with a certain confidence that he understood the ways of the world: "To put it bluntly, in this world, the government cannot have absolute power."
You know, in the south? There's a big warlord there. I heard he came from a big gang, and most of his key men came from gangs.
What's this called? This is called co-governance! The government has to team up with powerful local factions to barely keep things afloat and prevent them from falling apart.
He paused, glanced at his third senior brother who was surrounded by several company commanders and chatting with others, and continued:
"To put it bluntly, the position of deputy director held by my third senior brother is a 'gift' that the government is offering to our master."
"As for the other three major martial arts schools in the city, ask around. Which one doesn't have a direct disciple holding a deputy position in the police station? That's the rule, understand?"
Zhou Tong narrowed his eyes slightly and said knowingly, "So, in the end, this world is..."
He didn't finish speaking, but the meaning was already clear.
"That's right, the stronger the fist, the more secure the position! It's not just the way things are now, it's always been this way."
Ji Chang took over the conversation, his voice low but firm and resolute, as if carrying the sound of metal and stone.
He nudged Zhou Tong lightly with his elbow, his tone tinged with self-deprecation and sigh:
"Otherwise, why do you think I'm risking my life, even... even being a little shameless, to try and break through to the next level? Is it really just to earn more money?"
Otherwise, why would those two arrogant types, Liu Qing and Zheng Hao, with their incredibly powerful family backgrounds, still obediently stay in the martial arts school every day, trying to figure out what their master likes and dislikes? Do they really think they're martial arts fanatics?
Zhou Tong finally understood.
This is not simply a desire for personal strength, but rather a set of rules for the distribution of power and survival in chaotic times.
He looked at the Iron-Muscle Realm senior brothers in the arena, their hearts pounding with excitement for the five spots, and suddenly understood:
Their competition is a microcosm of this set of rules.
"Thank you for your guidance, senior brother."
Zhou Tongchao and Ji Chang smiled slightly, "I've been so engrossed in martial arts lately that I haven't come into contact with these things yet. Before, it was like looking at flowers through a fog, but now I'm finally seeing the outline."
Ji Chang chuckled and patted him on the back:
"We're like brothers, don't talk about this. Just keep it in mind, there's still a long road ahead."
As the two were talking in hushed tones, the cotton curtain in the backyard was lifted, and the eldest brother, Chen Zong, slowly walked out.
He was still wearing a slightly worn dark blue cotton long gown, which looked a bit thin in the early spring, but his back was straight, his steps were steady, and he had an extraordinary air about him.
Upon seeing him, the third senior brother quickly stepped forward to greet him respectfully: "Eldest senior brother."
The five company commanders behind him also smiled obsequiously and bowed in unison, saying, "Greetings, Mr. Chen!"
Chen Zong remained calm, merely nodding slightly in return.
He exchanged a few words with his third senior brother, then turned his gaze to the disciples in the courtyard and gestured to his third senior brother.
The third senior brother understood, turned to face the crowd, and said in a deep voice:
"Fellow disciples, let's not waste any more time. This time, I've secured five spots for you all to join the Police Bureau, and we'll be selecting the best from among you Flesh Refining Realm disciples."
He smiled and said in a relaxed tone, "My job is just to get the spots back. How to choose and who to choose is entirely up to Senior Brother. The rules are set by Senior Brother."
After saying that, he stepped to the side and gestured to Chen Zong, "Senior Brother, please come here."
Chen Zong did not refuse, took half a step forward, and his gaze swept across the entire room like a still well.
The courtyard, which had been filled with subtle discussions, suddenly became so quiet you could hear a pin drop, with only the soft whistling of the wind whistling past the eaves.
"The selection criteria are very simple."
Chen Zong spoke, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears, "Athle battle."
He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping across the Iron Muscle Realm disciples. Every Iron Muscle Realm disciple whose gaze fell upon him involuntarily straightened their backs, their eyes burning with a barely concealed tension.
"Now, those whose names I call, step forward." Chen Zong said no more and began calling out names.
"Feng Yuan."
"exist!"
At the front of the crowd, a stocky young man heard the words and his face instantly lit up with an irrepressible joy. He forced it back down, responded loudly, and strode to the center of the courtyard, his chest heaving.
Chen Zong did not pause, and steadily read out each name.
"Zhao Dahong".
"Li Jin".
"Sun Desheng".
……
Without exception, all those summoned were at the Iron Skin Realm cultivation level.
Some were newcomers who had just entered this field, their eyes full of eagerness;
Some are seasoned veterans who have honed their skills in this environment for years, possessing a deep and mature aura, and their expressions are even more composed.
Chen Zong didn't seem to make any distinction between different levels; as long as someone was at the Iron Muscle Realm, they were given a chance to compete.
The disciples whispered among themselves, their eyes darting back and forth between the twenty-odd people who had stepped forward, trying to guess which five would ultimately emerge victorious.
Most people had no objection to the list given by the senior disciple.
Chen Zong is fair and just, and his reputation among the disciples is well-established. He gives all Iron Muscle Realm disciples a chance, which aligns with everyone's perception of him.
Soon, the name of the twenty-sixth, and last, Iron Muscle Realm disciple on the list was called out, and he stood proudly in the center of the field.
The crowd's discussions grew louder, focusing on the twenty-six individuals as they analyzed each other's strengths, preferred fighting styles, and even their personal grudges.
However, just when everyone thought the list was finalized and the selection process was about to begin—
"Zhou Tong".
Chen Zong's calm voice rang out again, uttering those two words.
"?!"
Zhou Tong himself was slightly taken aback, several thoughts flashing through his mind in an instant, but his body reacted much faster than his thoughts.
Without hesitation, he took a few steps forward and walked steadily to the center of the courtyard, standing beside the group of Iron Muscle Realm senior brothers. Although he was at the back, he was still very conspicuous.
A brief silence.
It was as if the spring breeze had paused for a moment.
Immediately afterwards—
"Whoosh—!"
The courtyard exploded like a deep pool where a giant rock had been thrown in!
"Zhou Tong? Him? On what grounds?"
"Isn't he only at the Wood Muscle Realm?"
"Did Senior Brother mispronounce the name?"
"This...this isn't the rule, is it? Aren't the spots supposed to be selected from the best among those in the Flesh-Refining Realm? Does Wood-Skin Realm count as 'best'?"
"..."
Astonishment, doubt, confusion, jealousy, disbelief... all sorts of emotions turned into a buzzing discussion, almost lifting the roof tiles of the courtyard.
All eyes were fixed on Zhou Tong like spotlights, as if they wanted to see him through inside and out.
Even Liu Qing and Zheng Hao, who had maintained a calm demeanor, could not hide their astonishment at this moment.
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing clear suspicion in each other's eyes.
Their gazes shifted back and forth between Zhou Tong in the center of the arena and Chen Zong, who stood with his hands behind his back, their brows furrowed slightly, clearly not expecting this scene to unfold.
The third senior brother was clearly surprised to hear the discussions on the field.
He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Chen Zong, who stood beside him with a calm expression, but said nothing.
Ji Chang, who was closest to Zhou Tong, stared wide-eyed with his mouth slightly agape, looking as if to say, "Did I hear that right?"
He glanced at Zhou Tong, who remained calm in the arena, then at his senior brother, his mind a jumbled mess.
Although he desperately wanted the best for his brother, he really couldn't understand his senior brother's arrangement of throwing Zhou Tong into this group of Iron Muscle Realm disciples.
The senior brothers at the Iron Muscle Realm also turned their gazes to Zhou Tong, their eyes clearly saying, "What makes you think you're so special?"
In the center of the venue, facing the sharp gazes that were gathering from all sides, Zhou Tong stood quietly, seemingly oblivious to everything.
But his heart was not as calm as it appeared.
"Hard work pays off..."
He murmured to himself, a mix of excitement, emotion, and certainty spreading through him.
He had long desired this position in the police department.
While he couldn't reveal his trump card, "Shadowless," he wasn't without the desire to fight for it.
He had kept in mind and pondered over and over again the words his third senior brother had said when announcing the selection: "If someone has outstanding qualities elsewhere, the requirements for strength can be relaxed a bit."
After mastering the sword technique, he tested his skills with his senior brother. He keenly caught a fleeting look of surprise in his senior brother's eyes, and a thought began to form in his mind.
Two days after breaking through the stone muscle, he took the initiative to report to the authorities. His words were sincere and full of youthful frankness and ambition, which was a kind of careful "demonstration" and "layout".
However, the eldest brother is a cautious and discreet person, and his thoughts are hard to fathom.
Zhou Tong was not entirely sure whether his "showcase" would truly impress the other party.
But he knew that many opportunities would never fall into his lap if he didn't lay the groundwork or fight for them.
However, how to win it is an art in itself.
Manager Hu's previous witty remark—
"Without your persistent and nagging, would I even bother with you? It's all about your patience and sincerity..."
Like a sudden awakening, it made him realize that his approach was generally on the right track.
Sincerity needs to be demonstrated through actions, relationships need time to cultivate, and goals need to be patiently laid out.
But that's not enough. When dealing with seasoned veterans, patience and preparation are the bare minimum; the key lies in striking the right balance.
Excess reveals a sycophantic and manipulative nature, while deficiency reveals a cold and distant attitude.
Often, the line between cute and ridiculous is very thin, and the difference between them can lead to very different outcomes.
He felt this deeply during his time with Manager Hu.
Therefore, when he reported to his senior brother, he frankly mentioned his gratitude for the previous advice and did not shy away from wanting to prove that he deserved that kindness.
His senior brother's comment, "Smart, but not slick," made him realize that he was on the right path.
And now, all those seemingly unintentional foreshadowings, cautious displays, and appropriate candors have finally yielded a fruit that is both expected and still surprisingly delightful!
On the sidelines, Chen Zong calmly observed the courtyard that had become a scene of uproar because of his name, his face showing no emotion whatsoever.
Although the disciples were discussing it heatedly, none of them dared to stand up and directly question their senior brother's decision.
Once the commotion subsided slightly, Chen Zong spoke slowly, his voice still steady, yet carrying an undeniable weight:
"As the senior disciple of the martial arts school, I, Chen, always strive for fairness in my actions. There is a reason why I singled out Zhou Tong."
His gaze fell upon Zhou Tong in the center of the arena, and he uttered a single sentence in a calm tone, which, like a boulder, shattered all the clamor:
"Zhou Tong broke through to the Stone Skin Realm a few days ago. From the initial formation of the Wood Skin Realm to this point, it took less than three months. Would you consider this a 'strength that others cannot match'?"
The words fell.
The commotion just now was abruptly cut off by an invisible giant hand.
All expressions froze on their faces, and all discussions choked in their throats.
Only the spring breeze blowing through the old locust tree in the corner of the courtyard, rustling the new leaves.
After a brief silence, an even more intense debate suddenly erupted!