First-Class Sponsorship, Trouble Arises

First-Class Sponsorship, Trouble Arises

First-Class Sponsorship, Trouble Arises

"It's time to end this!"

Lin Mo kept weaving about, muttering to himself.

Using [Insightful Eye] for prolonged periods was still somewhat taxing at his current level. After merely twenty breaths or so, his eyes were already aching and swollen beyond endurance.

Zhu Hao, on the other hand, had exhausted much of his momentum, yet the long, unbroken reserve strength of the Entangling Ape Fist still allowed him to keep going.

"End this quickly. Strive to win with one blow!"

Whoosh!

The whip-like shadow of Zhu Hao's long arm grazed Lin Mo's shoulder. That slight brush alone sent scraps of cloth flying and splashed blood into the air.

Having failed to gain the upper hand for so long, Zhu Hao actually felt a flash of joy. His breath hitched in a moment of distraction, and Lin Mo found an opening.

Riding the momentum, he lunged forward, his entire body shooting out like a slingshot. The index and middle fingers of his right hand twisted into a claw, his blood and qi erupting in an instant.

Madness flickered in his eyes. Lin Mo instinctively let out a shrill cry like a crazed ape and thrust straight at Zhu Hao's throat!

This claw was swift, precise, and ruthless. It brought the fierce, tricky edge of the White Ape Eight Section Fist to its utmost limit, while releasing the White Ape Momentum together with the wild savagery of an ape.

"Damn..."

Zhu Hao felt a chill at his throat. The fierce gust of force scraped over his skin like knives. He froze in place, cold sweat breaking out across his body.

Those fingertips stopped steadily an inch before his Adam's apple, their force restrained but not released.

"Thank you for letting me win, Brother Zhu."

The madness in Lin Mo's eyes gradually faded. He withdrew his stance, cupped his fists, and smiled.

"I lost. Thank you for showing mercy, Brother Lin." Zhu Hao shook his head with a bitter smile, unwillingness still in his eyes.

Lin Mo said modestly, "If Brother Zhu hadn't fought two people in succession and been short on stamina, the outcome might have been hard to predict."

"I never expected that though I'm more than ten years older than you, Brother Lin, my breadth of mind would be less clear-sighted than yours..."

Zhu Hao raised his head and looked into those bright, clear black eyes. The trace of unwillingness in his gaze immediately dissolved.

He truly had expended some stamina, but Lin Mo's fist techniques were seasoned and nimble, laced with a streak of madness. What confused him even more was that terrifying power of observation.

Even at Changhe Martial Arts School, he would probably count as one of the very best prospects.

"It's getting late. This is Brother Lin's first time reporting here, so later I'll take him through the procedures for our Li Lineage patrol."

Li Zhiming stepped in to smooth things over. This was precisely when the Li Lineage patrols were on duty. Earlier, they had only intended to let everyone get acquainted and loosen up their limbs.

Who would have expected Zhu Hao to suddenly appear, followed by a young prodigy?

The many patrolmen gathered around. Taking advantage of the brief moment, they exchanged a few simple pleasantries with Lin Mo and introduced themselves, making themselves familiar faces.

Once everyone had dispersed with the large red lanterns bearing the Li Lineage name, they returned to patrol their respective docks.

Li Zhiming also led Lin Mo toward Docks Three and Four on the eastern side. There were already few people along the way, and the two walked down the street carrying red lanterns.

"Little Brother Lin, your martial skills are truly well-honed. I never expected someone so young to possess such formidable practical combat experience..."

After offering that compliment, Li Zhiming continued, "Our patrol duties aren't particularly onerous. Lately, our focus has mainly been on guarding against water ghosts. We patrol fifteen times a month, from the first quarter of the Hour of the Dog until the third quarter of the Hour of the Rabbit each day."

"Guarding against water ghosts is naturally important, but things have been a little chaotic around here lately. If you encounter anything suspicious at night, don't foolishly meet it head-on. You can call for our patrolmen."

As he spoke, Li Zhiming handed him a Li Lineage patrol waist token. "We recognize the token. If you hold it, the patrolmen at the nearby docks will come help."

"Thank you for your guidance, Head Patrolman Li." Lin Mo cupped his fists in thanks.

Upon reaching one side of the docks, Li Zhiming stopped and suddenly asked, "Little Brother Lin, do you know about sponsorship?"

"I know the general idea."

He had heard about sponsorship from Xu Changfeng as well. It was also a means by which noble lineages recruited talented retainers.

Simple and effective!

After all, martial training required silver by the fistful. Since ancient times, the poor pursued scholarship while the wealthy pursued martial arts.

"On behalf of the Li Lineage, I offer you First-Class Sponsorship: fifteen taels of silver per month, along with three hundred jin of meat," Li Zhiming said slowly.

One had to know that although he was one of the few people in the Li Lineage who held real authority, sponsorship slots were extremely limited. In particular, he had only one First-Class Sponsorship slot.

The Li Lineage was in need of manpower and geniuses. Based on Lin Mo's age alone, and the fact that he had easily defeated Zhu Hao, he was worth taking a chance on.

As for temperament and character, Li Zhiming only knew that if he did not make a move first, a talent like this would eventually receive sponsorship from another lineage.

"Thank you for thinking highly of me, Head Patrolman Li. But after accepting this sponsorship..."

Fifteen taels of silver, along with meat and Blood Qi Pills, was certainly worth a great deal. Yet corresponding duties would also come with it.

Lin Mo had always been cautious, so he naturally needed to clarify things. He did not state the latter half of his question outright, but Li Zhiming understood what he wished to ask.

Li Zhiming waved his hand and continued, "Sponsorship is sponsorship. In principle, it won't affect your other affairs. It's only that whenever the Li Lineage needs people for a match or to hold the field, we'll usually summon you."

A match? Holding the field?

Lin Mo lowered his head and pondered. He understood the reasoning, but he did not know the limits involved. It would not be worth fighting to the death for this little silver.

Seeming to see his concern, Li Zhiming explained, "That may be so, but all those sponsored by the Li Lineage have the right to judge such matters for themselves before deciding. If you feel it is dangerous, you may refuse. The Li Lineage will not force you."

"Then... thank you, Head Patrolman Li."

Once the simple work procedures had been explained and the sponsorship details discussed, Lin Mo patrolled the docks alone. He carried a red lantern for light and occasionally watched for movement on the water.

Whether water ghosts or people coveting the river transport trade and seeking to cause trouble, they generally acted at night. That was why patrol work was usually arranged for nighttime.

The night was deep. Moonlight spread over the water like a silvery veil, while waves continuously slapped against the dockside stones, splashing up sheets of water.

"The docks are much safer than the villages. After all this time, there hasn't been a trace of a water ghost. That one or two taels per water ghost isn't easy to earn..."

After patrolling for quite a while, the soles of his shoes stepped across blue-gray flagstones, making soft splashes in the pooled water. He crouched beside the dock to rest briefly.

Lin Mo examined the water for some time, yet only saw a few small fish occasionally leap from the surface.

This patrol duty was even more calm and uneventful than he had imagined. He had not seen a single person throughout the night, and Lin Mo was happy enough with that.

Though he would lose out on the money from killing water ghosts, safety came first.

By dawn, the sky had only just begun to brighten, and the river wind mixed with dampness as it rushed toward him.

"Patrolman Lin, you've worked hard tonight. We'll take over from here."

"Alright. I'll trouble you, then."

The new dock supervisor was a sharp young man. Lin Mo exchanged a few words with him and was about to leave when he spotted a cargo ship approaching in the distance.

Judging by its appearance, it had likely traveled through the night...

Several burly men dressed as laborers stepped off the cargo ship after it docked and began unloading. Burlap bundles struck the wooden crates with heavy, muffled thuds.

Lin Mo watched from afar, then suddenly asked, "Where are these people from?"

"Judging by the cargo ship's markings, they seem to be from Qingshan County in the neighboring county, coming down by waterway." The young supervisor took two looks before voicing his conclusion.

"How far is Qingshan County from here?"

"A little over a hundred li." The supervisor had barely finished answering when Lin Mo tucked his hands into his sleeves, put on a cheerful smile, and strode over.