Chapter 318: Chapter 189: Dispelling Doubts; Searching for Talent

With that, he rose and said, "I’ve given you the opportunity. If you’re willing, come find me tomorrow morning at Number 21, Yunli Ninth Lane, on Northwest City Street. I will take you to see the Young Master."

He then turned and walked out.

Seeing this, Li Yihuo hurried to follow, escorting Zhang Chuchu to the door before saying in a low voice, "Brother Zhang, I appreciate your good intentions. I won’t forget this favor. But please allow me one night to think it over. Regardless of my decision, I will come see you tomorrow morning to let you know."

Zhang Chuchu gave a slight nod.

Northwest City Street, Yunli Lane. The study in the rear courtyard of the Cheng Mansion.

"Lord, all the letters have been sent out. So far, the Xu, Qiu, Liu, Ding, and He Families have all replied. Only the Lu Family has not."

Ma Yue finished his report, then added, "Furthermore, the Lu Family is showing great hostility. I’m worried they might cause trouble."

Hearing this, Cheng Zongyang simply smiled and said:

"Don’t worry about them. Go find Xu Dong and see if he needs any help. Just come and get me tomorrow at noon."

"Should I pick up Gang Leader Li first?" Ma Yue asked, clasping his hands.

"No. He’ll have his own carriage from now on. He’ll go on his own tomorrow," Cheng Zongyang said.

"Then I will take my leave." Ma Yue departed.

「The night passed peacefully.」

「The next morning.」

Cheng Zongyang was in the open area of the rear courtyard practicing his Illusion Blade Skill. The Illusion Blade Skill was extremely difficult to grasp, and his current progress was only at 53 points.

However, after repeated Cultivation sessions, his swinging speed was now much faster than before.

Now, his swings were so fast they were little more than a blur of steel.

At the gate of the Cheng Residence, Li Yihuo was already waiting.

Seeing Li Yihuo arrive so early, Zhang Chuchu gave a slight nod, very satisfied with his attitude. "The Young Master is practicing his martial arts and cannot be disturbed," he said. "Follow me for now. We’ll talk after he’s finished his Cultivation."

Li Yihuo readily agreed with a nod.

’After a night of contemplation, looking at his wife and children, he had finally decided to go for broke and take one more gamble.’

’He was sick of this life, of being constantly hunted by his enemies.’

’His circumstances were different now. He had to support his family, yet he didn’t even have the strength to truss a chicken. The only real skill he had to offer was his business acumen.’

’Since there was an opportunity to put his ability to use and provide a good life for his family again, he decided not to overthink it.’

’As for the chance to become a Martial Artist... he’d just have to leave that to fate. After all, he wasn’t young anymore.’

In the rear courtyard, Zhang Chuchu found a quiet corner. From a short distance, he watched Cheng Zongyang’s Saber Technique. His blade whistled through the air, moving faster and faster until it was just a phantom blur. Zhang Chuchu’s eyes filled with awe and envy.

’Even though he knew nothing about the Martial Arts, he couldn’t help but think, ’With a blade moving that fast, how many people could possibly block it?’’

’As a man with one foot in the grave, he no longer had any aspirations of becoming a Martial Artist. But who hadn’t dreamed of it in their youth?’

’It was a shame his two sons weren’t cut out for it; they didn’t have that kind of good fortune.’

’So for now, all he could think about was serving his master well, doing his duties, and ensuring his family could live a better life. That was enough.’

After about an hour, Cheng Zongyang finally stopped his Cultivation of the Illusion Blade Skill.

He glanced at his proficiency—it had only increased by a single point. He was used to it by now.

Seeing this, Zhang Chuchu, who was standing nearby, immediately spoke to one of the two maids at his side:

"Xiaocui, take the breakfast and tea to the main hall."

"Yes, Butler." The maidservant acknowledged the order, then turned and hurried away.

Zhang Chuchu then gestured to the other maid, who was holding a tray. "Follow me."

The maidservant nodded and followed him.

On the tray she carried were two towels for Cheng Zongyang to wipe away his sweat.